I have 1997 Jaguar XK8 that's been in garage storage for 3 years - 54,000 miles --- When do I need to replace Cam Chain Tensioners ? What else would be best at this time ?

 

Welcome to the forum Stephen,

(I've moved your post to its own thread. You'd posted on the end of a year old thread which could get overlooked.)

Sleeping cats need to be woken up carefully. Plenty of advice in the 'HOW TO' at the top of these threads.

Please visit New Member Area - Intro a MUST to introduce yourself and your XK8 to all the members. You'll also get some good advice there on making posts.

Graham

 

Stephen replace tensioners now.

 

+1

Even better if you'd replaced them yesterday.

 

Assuming you have not started it up yet, it might br a good precautun to remove the fuel injection relay, and crank the engine for a few seconds to bring up the oil pressure prior to starting.

After 3 years, the chain tensioners may have lost their hydraulic pressure, which could cause the chain to slip with bad consequences.

 

Hi
If its been parked for three years and it was mine. id do what was suggested above(remove fuel relay and prime the parts including tensioners) prior to starting the car.
then prior to driving the car i would remove cam covers and change the tensioners, they may well be very fragile by now.
id check the engine oil, and check coolant pipes, and change the thermostat. all these items are critical items that could fail and cause damage.

then id consider doing the transmission oil, and give the brakes a once over.

Best Wishes

stephen

 

I live in Birmingham, AL ---where is the best place to order parts to do the chain tensioners replacement job ?? I assume I can order online ??

 

Order tensioners from a Ford dealer, same parts, half the cost. I used sunroadfordparts.com
Order the parts for a 2001 Lincoln LS 3.9L
2W9Z6K254BA
2W9Z6K254CA
You will also need the 4 shorter bolts: W500301S300.
For a 97 you will need a AJ26 gasket set, which has to be a Jag part. There a a number of online sources, including ebay and various sponsers of the forum.
RJ_____________
97 XK8 86K mi

 

I am trying to bring a car back to life that has been stored for 20 years. Everything needs work, especially the electrical connections. Found problems everywhere. For example, one brake line would not bleed. What could clog up a closed brake line?

Three years is a lot less but expect to uncover issues for some time to come.

If you haven't read all the horror stories about tensioners please take a few minutes and understand the issue. The penalty of tensioner failure is too much to ignore.

. . . and welcome to the forum!

 

Test point, not trying to steal the thread, but I had a Z3 that I could not bleed one fitting. I removed the bleeder and used a .032 drill in a hand mandrel to clean the bleeder port. The line itself was OK.
RJ_____________
97 XK8 86K mi

 

Just curious.... So, the Lincolns have these same tensioner problems? Or have they used the metal tensioners all along? I have not heard any of my Ford buddies mention any issues like these.

 

Can you briefly describe the process for replacing the cam chain tensioners? i.e. do you have to take off the entire front end of the engine, radiator and bumper etc

 

If you do a search for secondary timing chain tensioner replacement you will find lots of information.I will attempt copying one example below. Click on it.
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ics-how-52653/
The process is fairly easy, even for those with limited mechanical ability.

 

Replace SECONDARY cam chain tensioners - correct ?

 

Correct. Secondaries are also called the upper tensioners. These are the ones that can cause major engine damage if they fail. They fortunately are the easier ones to do also.

 

Graham - Can I change my USER name without creating a new account ?

 

You can't change your user name once you've completed the sign up process and additional Moderator permissions don't let me change it for you.

If anyone can change a user name it will only be Jim as Admin.

Graham