Not sure if this is the worst tensioner ever removed that had yet to fail, but it is likely a contender. 1997 XK8 with 75,000 miles, just done.
Show us yours (failed, or broken of course are worse but how close can they come??)
Cheers
TheCounty

 

Looks fine to me


Dave

 

WOW, It looks like you were one cold start from destruction. Way to go.


Wayne

 

Man, you are lucky to have caught that when you did! I'd go buy a lottery ticket in case your luck is still with you.

 

Both of my secondary tensioners were split fully down the middle, too. The "shoe" from the bottom of each is apparently in the sump since each plastic "shoe" was missing. My 1999 XK8 coupe has 78,000 miles on her.
The most difficult of the zip-tie replacement for me is getting the gasket sealer cleaned off the heads!
Not to hijack this thread, but does anyone know of a solvent that will remove a rubberized gasket sealer? I have been scraping the heads with a screw driver but it's a long and tedious process.
(Sorry the pictures are so dark.)

 

Wow we were lucky. Exactly the same as mine i did a few months ago.

I find the gaskets a problem aswell when rebuilding small engines, there is a solvent silicone remover you can get that is ised for removing silicone sealant but havnt tried it yet

 

Now there's a real mechanic. Cleans up the old part to "look new" condition........well done.

Chuck

 

It's just a crack, put some filler in there and go with it.

 

1998 XK8 with 84k miles and no obvious noise or rattle coming from the engine.

 

Mine looked similar, but with some pieces missing from the rails

 

Hi County, wow, all the discolor as well. Have not gotton to mine 99 XK8 yet. Next project. I plan to have a good Jag tech do the job.
I still believe hi under hood temps do not help the matter. I am a firm believer of synthetic oil. Does see, to help stabilize oil overheat and discoloration as well as changing often.
Tried an experiment, fabricated an air dam just behind the radiator under the car. Works well by forcing more air into the radiator and engine compartment, notably reduce engine temp. Problem, car is so low clearance is a problem. I will try something smaller next. Rich