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My XJ8 4.0 has a broken timing chain tensioner (right side, top tensioner) and I wanted to replace it with the newer aluminium tensioner. I read that the bolts are shorter, but that wasn't an issue. The problem is, the new tensioner is too short. It doesn't reach the chain at all. No tensioning possible. (I removed the security pin)
Are there different types? I ordered one for a Jaguar Xj8 4.0 X308 and thought that information would be sufficient. Maybe the seller made a mistake. But it really looks like one these
I doubt there is another tensioner similar to the Jag. Could you be attempting to install the left one on the right side? That may be a stupid question, but I don't have a good picture at hand.
You might try turning it over and make sure you are not mixing right and left. But why did you buy the one for the S-type, vice the Xj8?
I haven't found a place that sells the old plastic type tensioners used in the xj8. I believed, that new one was the same for all V8
Originally Posted by RJ237
I doubt there is another tensioner similar to the Jag. Could you be attempting to install the left one on the right side? That may be a stupid question, but I don't have a good picture at hand.
Don't know: the part looks right, and matches pictures from the ones we buy in the US (mostly from Christopher Foreign Parts).
Try to reinstall the old part to see how it goes. And copy on the new one. It will pump up with oil pressure, but it should keep chain on the cogs once you pull the pin.
From the pictures, it looks to me there is indeed a difference in the height of the lugs between the left and right tensioner. As said, most probably a mixup.
There is absolutely a difference left vs. right. The slipper that moves should be on the slack side of the chain. When you say right hand side, do you mean sitting in the drivers seat, and not looking at ithe engine from in front of the car, correct? That would make the moveable slipper face down on the right side, I believe.
Last edited by sparkenzap; Dec 14, 2014 at 07:04 PM.
Reason: Bass ackwards!
There is absolutely a difference left vs. right. The slipper that moves should be on the slack side of the chain. When you say right hand side, do you mean sitting in the drivers seat, and not looking at ithe engine from in front of the car, correct? That would make the moveable slipper face down on the right side, I believe.
I'm talking about the right hand side, sitting in the drivers seat. If I didn't mix up everything, the moveable slipper on the old one also faced down, so I thought it should be the same with the new tensioner.
looking at the pictures here, it looks like my tensioner is fine and facing in the right direction. Maybe the oil pressure really will tighten the chain enough. but right now it feels really loose.
If cold and without pressure, is it possibe that it is that loose? I am hesitating to start the engine (after adjusting the timing and assembling the remaining parts)
Last edited by mitsurugi; Dec 15, 2014 at 02:51 PM.
Now I think I see your problem. Rotate the engine clockwise (from front) with socket wrench and see if the slack on top disappears. While on that thought, do the cam flats line up when you rotate clockwise?
Last edited by RJ237; Dec 15, 2014 at 03:00 PM.
Reason: add:with socket wrench
Yikes! The other English work for that is uh-oh, meaning something does not look right!
I agree with RJ, rotate the engine CW and the slack should move to the bottom and the spring in the tensioner should extend the slipper to the chain. My hunch is that your chain is worn. Hopefully motorcarman or Thermo will see this and offer their take, since they have done a bunch of them.
Timing chain tensioner too short?
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