I want to remove one of the valve covers on my newly purchased 98 xj8 VP to check and see if the tensioners have been updated, need to know what side is easer to remove and what gaskets and seals I will need to replace.
Thanks
Bill

 

+1 on the same question.
The VCs on both sides are leaking oil, and it drops on the little strip of metal right above the exaust, and it basically burns. It's totally NOT cool driving a jag with smoke coming from under the hood. It's not a huge leak, but it's getting worse. I think the VC gaskets have had it... Also, im sure there is an order in which to tighten the VC bolts down too, right?

Thanks!

 

It's all described in the JTIS CD manual.

Make sure mating surfaces are cleaned with solvent before reassembly.

 

On the XJR, the lefthandside is easier because you don't need to remove the air cleaner box and tubing.

It's a pretty straightforward job, as Dan R says, all info is in the JTIS. One note of caution is that another member removed both his covers and found that one side had new tensioners and the other side did not..... (there was a long discussion about why this was, but it just was...) so it may be worthwhile removing both sides just to be safe.

You should probably replace the gaskets anyway as they do have a tendancy to leak and drip oil onto the exhaust, creating the horrid burning smell and/or smoke. (as mzs reports above)

While you are doing the cam covers you can do part load breather cleaning, MAS cleaning and Throttle body cleaning while you are there, as you will have easy access to all of this with the air box and cam covers off

 

But what gaskets will I need to replace? just the cover gaskets as with any car.
Thanks
Bill
98/XJ8 VP

 

You need the valve cover gaskets and the spark plug o-ring seals, but make sure you get the correct ones. The older have "figure eight" seals and the later have o-ring type seals. The supplier should know. Get everything very clean. My gaskets were rubber and fit into grooves in the valve covers - kind of popped in. Pretty easy really. But remember, these are plastic, do not over tighten ! I found that a couple of the little bolts holding the coil pack covers on were stripped - oh yeah, keep the coil packs in order, don't mix them up. Not sure why, but everybody always told me that !

 

I don't see any reason to have to keep the coil packs in order, but I'd sure like to know if it truly is required and why.

 

I think the valve cover seals are incorrectly called gaskets. Tightening them down will have no affect other than breaking the plastic valve cover. If yours are leaking, for a temporary measure, you can remove them, clean the cover slots well, run a small bead of black RTV in them and replace the seals.

The Lincoln LS 3.9L '00 - '02 used the same seals, both perimeter and spark plug, for about half the price of Jaguar ones.

I thought that the right one was easier on my XK8 but neither was difficult. The biggest problem I had was moving the oil dip stick tube out of the way and back in place.

One small caution, in order to get the left one off you will have to move the coolant overflow canister. Swinging it out of the way still attached to the bottom hose to the heating system will allow it to swing back and strike its mounting bracket. That can cause a tiny little hole, not even visible, to leak coolant only while under pressure. Ask me how I know.

 

Thanks All
Sure helps.
Bill