Hi,
After I replaced the secondary tensioners on my 99 XJ8 a loud clack clack clack sound shows up at startup after sitting for a while. It doesn't happen when the engine is warm.

After reading some other threads I'm guessing that this is oil draining out of the vvt unit? I don't have any CELs or anything. Im not sure why that would show up after a tensioner replacement, I didn't mess with it at all.

What is the best course of action to fix this? Is there a seal or something that I could replace or would it have to be the entire unit?

I cant even find any vvt related seals of any kind online .

There is also a high pitched squealing sound at about 1500-1700 rpms when driving, not sure if thats related or not.

 

Charriot, it sounds like to me that the tensioners are loosing their oil supply when the engine is off and when you start the car, they are having to fill back up and re-apply pressure to tighten up the chain slack. You don't notice it on start up with the engine warm because the pressure is still built up in the tensioner. As for a repair, I will leave that up to someone else.

 

I'm in for more info. My xj does this too. only when sitting for a while (4 hours or so)

the only way to avoid it is before cranking the motor, i leave the key in the 'on' position untill the beep stops, then you can hear buzzing. once that stops i crank and no rattle.

i kind of treat it like a cold start on a diesel motor, allowing the glowplugs (vvt) to warm-up (build pressure) before cranking.