1998 Jag XJ8...Only have noise from right side....is this a simple repair? Any ideas ?

 

Search "timing chain tensioners"; you will get lots of ideas. I would not call it an uncommon topic in this forum. There is lots of very good information and guidance. Good luck.

 

+1. Have your tensioners been upgraded (secondaries are a must do!)?

 

No they havent....this is all new to me...please help!

 

Google is your friend. Are you a good mechanic? If not, know one? Must do secondaries now.

 

I am just never on a Jaguar....why must I now? Please explain

 

Lots of threads, lots of you tubes.

 

If a secondary tensioner is failing the exhaust cam sprocket could skip a tooth, resulting in rough idle and possible misfire codes. If it skips two teeth valve damage is likely.

It's best not to attempt to start the engine until the problem is resolved.

Do a search for secondary tensioners, lots of info and also DIY help. Any reasonable amateur mechanic can do this repair using the zip tie method.

 

byjosh:
So far, you are one of the few lucky ones and are hearing a noise. A timing chain jump comes many times with no warning and many times results in engine failure with big $$ consequences. Heed our warnings. Do not run the engine until it is fixed.

 

Having just gone through this have it looked at as soon as possible, I was very luck to get away with it. Both secondary tensioners were junk and the primary fixed guides had big cracks in both sides.