Hey everyone, I have a 1998 XJR, and read that the R models were less likely to have the plastic timing chain tensioners, is that true? Thanks in advance to whoever replies, Mike

 

Mike

Sorry, but you're in the wrong sub-forum; this is for the X350 (2003-2009) aluminium bodied XJs. For 1998 you need the X308 sub-forum


Cheers just now

Dave in Gloucestershire UK

 

Even though this is the wrong forum, this is not true. Your tensioners on a '98 XJR should be upgraded ASAP to avert potential engine self-destruction.

 

Hi Valintine98,

Welcome to the Jaguar Forums!

I have moved your thread from the forum for the X350 to the forum for the X308, which is the Jaguar factory project code for your 1998 XJR. Here you will find knowledgeable owners of similar cars.

Cheers,

Don

 

And among the most knowledgeable is whiteXKR, so please follow his advice without delay so that we don't have to read about another engine replacement needed because of failed tensioners.

It's critical to replace only the secondaries, although doing all chains, guides and tensioners would be good if you can afford it.

 

+1 get them bad boys done as soon as you get a chance for peace of mind

 

Peace of mind hell, so you don't have a sad tale to tell us!

 

This is one of the upper tensioners that came out of my 98 XJR, the other did not survive removal.

 

I was told by the previous owner that my '98 XJ8 had metal tensioners fitted just after he bought it but was unable to provide receipts to prove it.


Is there a procedure on here somewhere showing you how to take the covers off and check? I have searched but failed to find what I was after.


Cheers


Glen.

 

There are several procedures written up with photos on tensioner replacement. I am providing a link to a very comprehensive one that has far more information than you need, but you may want to keep it in case of future need.

Obviously (I hope), you will not have to remove the bonnet and radiator, so you will have to skip down to removing the air inlet tube, but not the filter box, and then to the coil cover, coils and valve covers.

Tmingi chain and tensioner replacement

 

RJ,
Thanks for that link.
I've been reading and collecting all the info I could find on X308 timing chain/tensioner replacement, and that is definitely the most in-depth DIY how-to I've run across. Great photos.
The first writeup I've found that actually explains how some of the special tools are used.
Regards,
Retro

 

Can I chime in with a question?

I'm looking at a 3.2l V8 in a few days and that probably hasn't had the secondary tensioners changed. Rumor has it here, if the tensioners do snap/break/f**k up on the 3.2l, the valves won't make contact with the pistons...

Is that rumor true? I can't really believe it as being a multi valve engine with angled valves, that must contact somewhere along the lines...

 

Not positive, but I think it's still the same interference design. The compression would have to be way low to give that much clearance.

 

Yes, you need to take the cam covers off and look, to check the secondaries. The primaries are more involved. Instructions on removing the cam covers are in the JTIS, which you can download. However, I'd also say that it's pretty obvious.

 

Brilliant, many many thanks.