My x308 service history shows that the timing chains were replaced as required when required but if not started for a few days it sounds like someone rattling a tin of nuts and bolts for a 5 seconds or so and then settles down and purrs when the oil pressure builds. Any audible warning signs that the tensioners and chains need doing? Any-one? Neil.

 

Did the service history show the tensioners were replaced ?
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If you have some sockets, pull the cam covers and take look, it's the only way to tell what's going on in there.

 

+1. You really should do this right away. It sounds like your plastic secondary tensioners are probably shot and the chain can skip at any time and ruin your engine.

 

Sorry about not saying which model !! Too old to work out this site. I live in a remote area and internet times out before I can load a Pic of this car it's that slow. I have mentioned this noise to a mechanic familiar with Jags but it needs to sit for a few days to hear it. Service history shows tensioners and chains done by a Jaguar dealer...and the vehicle according to them was in perfect condition.
Once home we put it on a hoist and examined it..undersized discs,front ball joints useless.rear suspension bushes falling out,holes in rear muffler etc etc. Thats why I think the service history is fiction or first owner was ripped off.I honestly doubt if any timing gear was done! Any dealer that puts new disc pads on badly grooved out undersized discs causes fear of their ability.The car is showing 158,000 kilometres.

 

In that case check your tensioners as the others advise.
There is also a known problem with non-OEM oil filters that don't have a non-return valve in them causing this noise - but that won't blow up your engine like a chain jumping.
You should be able to see if the filter is OEM.

 

Just because they were replaced does NOT mean that they were replaced with the latest METAL body secondaries.
It could also be the PRIMARIES that are rattling until oil pressure builds up.

I changed dozens of secondaries in the years I worked at the dealer but alot of them were with the 'second generation' plastic tensioners with the spring.

Later on the metal body tensioners were introduced.

bob gauff

 

Thanks Bob and Steve..I only used OEM filters but did not buy the car new. The filter we took off after a "Jag" service was NOT genuine. Point noted Steve.
Looking at the timing set up and what is available is confusing to me.I have no idea how many chains and tensioners there are.Have seen several selling metal (which are the best) and some selling 3rd Gen plastic (which are the best) Must be a definitive answer to what is best and needs to be brought and if a general mechanic is capable if fitting 14 chains and 10 tensioners!

 

The whole system comprises of the following,

4 chains, 2 x primary 2 x secondary
4 tensioners, 2x primary 2 x secondary
4 guides

see the picture, the job requires Jaguar specific 'special' tools, if doing the whole set. Just the secondary tensioners can be done via the 'zip tie method' - if you search on here for that term you'll find it's a relatively simple job.

 

Thank You Sean. That's about as scary as it gets. If you were going to do this would you do the lot so as to know alls good? If some is worn would the rest be "on it's way" ?
Really Appreciate your input. Neil.

 

Most people just change the secondary tensioners - but before tearing out too much hair have a look to see what you've got in there.

 

Okay mine's doing the same exact thing and it's an 03. It sounds like a lifter tick, i know there are no lifters, and as soon as oil is in it, it goes away. Only happens on cold starts.
Since mine's a 2003, is there a chance that they had leftover plastic ones as the the model was discontinued and they were put on there? Or is it likely the oil filter?

 

Wix filter excuse the post whoring

 

stock and practical.Thats it! Also awesome to look at..
I found a UK dealer that will sell me the latest gear all chains and tensioners bolts and gaskets for 405 pounds sterling ($625 AUD approx USD $610) posted.
Thats sounds pretty good to me.....any thoughts guys??
Now to find the "special" timing tools. be nice if you could hire them!