New tensioners/start up noise
 

I installed new tensioners and before I did the engine had no noise, but the tensioners that I removed were in very bad shape. Engine runs very good but when I first start up after sitting over night there is a clicking noise that was not there before. Did I do something wrong or will it just go away and why did it not do it before.
Thanks
Bill
1998 XJ8 VDP

Did you use new, (shorter) bolts to secure the new tensioners, as the bolts for the plastic ones are longer, and will bottom on the tapped holes before they secure the metal tensioners properly ? Having said that, I understand the new metal tensioners come with the new bolts; but did they ?

Yes four new shorter bolts,just removed the valve covers again and the right bank has a tight chain, the left bank is not as tight as I can push down on the tensioner because it is spring loaded against the top. Could I have gotten a bad.
Thanks
Bill
1998 XJ8 VDP

At rest there is a little slack in the chains as you note due to the valve spring pressure on the cam lobes trying to turn the cam a couple degrees. Are the cam flats almost aligned? If so the tensioners are probably OK.

Could the clicking be the VVT units? That is a common issue with older/higher mileage engines addressed by raising the oil weight a little.

How many miles on the engine?

Was just reading another post and as the engine has 121k on it maybe a heaver oil will up my oil pressure to operate the tensioners, although the oil worked fine with the old tensioners.I am using Mobil 1 syn 10w/30.
Thanks
Bill

Try 10w40 next change. I don't think you are going to cause an immediate problem with the VVT's clicking.

I will change it tomorrow and let you know, sure need the help now. remember before the tension change I had no noise and I know that it is coming from the front of the valve covers were the chains are.
Thanks
Bill
1998 XJ8 VDP

Instead of changing the oil I drained a quart out and added 1 Qt. of Lucas treatment that ups the oil pressure. WoW! no noise and after I entered the post about never hearing the noise before, I got to thinking that I never goosed the throttle before the tensioner change.
now that is really stupid. I guess you were right about the oil pressure and the vvt units.THANKS much.
Bill
1998 XJ8 VDP