Ok my car has 93,600 miles on it , o know it's has the plastic timing chain tensiones because of the vin number. The car drives great and idles perfectly fine but I get a rattling noise when I am driving at fairly low rpms (like 1000 to 1500) it sounds like a bad timing chain to me . Any ideas how long I have till it jumps time on me or breaks ? If i keep driving it like this will it ruin my engine ? Thanks any input is much appreciated.

1999 XJ8

 

Could be the primary guides gone, if so the answer to your engine blowing up is yes eventually. I'll look a video of the sound of mine with bad primaries when I get home.

 

Engine blowing up ?? would I have to replace the just the timing chain or would my engine be bassically useless ???

 

A failed tensioner or broken chain could result in valves meeting pistons. Blown engine, maybe not, but damaged heads and pistons often mean a engine swap is the cheapest fix. There have been many sad stories posted by people who have ignored the warnings.

 

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5...2FjQkEyZnE2V0E

One primary guide (untensioned side) had broken into 3 pieces, one of which was sent into the primary tensioner and broken one of the tensioner mounting bolts. It hadn't jumped teeth yet but it would have soon. For whatever reason though it's never started up as quickly as it did in that video

 

It's an interference engine so can do terminal damage. Don't let it get that far!

 

Yeah thanks for all the info , anyone know a good website where to buy a timing chain kit ? I would like one that comes with all the gaskets, tensioners, and chain guides thanks in advance

 

I just ordered a complete set from Chris yesterday.


JAGUAR V8 4.0L 1999-2001 COMPLETE TIMING CHAIN KIT, EVERYTHING IN ONE BOX

 

Ok thanks I'll need to order one soon