Hello I am new to this and I'm looking for help on how to set the timing on my 1999 xj8 4.0. I replaced head gasket due to over heat problem. I know I need special timing tools. I ordered the kit off eBay for this particular model. Any help on the process procedure will be greatly appreciated thanks

 

Welcome to the forum dcab1017,

I've moved your question from General Tech Help to X308 forum. Members here with the same model will be able to help.

Please follow this link New Member Area - Intro a MUST - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum to the New Member Area - Intro a MUST forum and post some info about yourself and your vehicle for all members to see. In return you'll get a proper welcome and some useful advice about posting to the forum.

Graham

 

Search the forums for tensioner change. Have you changed the tensioners since you had the motor apart? This is a must. The plastic ones will likely fail. The metal upgrades are really the way to go. You will note in the tensioner change threads that there is a tool that is used against flat spots on the cams near the front of the engine. You want to install those and then look in the bell housing under the car for a triangle on the flywheel. That needs to be pointing down and where the crank sensor is there is a tool that is put in the sensor hole (sensor removed) that locks the flywheel. Those are the timing marks. Really not that difficult but either you need to buy the tools or make your own. You may also find a zip tie method but things can still move. Once again search for tensioner replacement on the forum and you will find a lot of info on this. If you have not replaced the plastic tensioners (maybe your year has metal) you NEED to do this and replace the water pump as they often have a plastic impellar that can desintergrate and cause hot spots in the head and overheating. I hope this helps. Let us all know how you made out. Someone here will likely be able to post the link.

 

I uploaded my Student Guide 'Engine Repair Course Code 168.pdf'
Look for it and you will have ALL the info you need.

bob gauff