I’m the middle of updating my timing chains, primary and secondary, all tensioners/guides/rails as well as cooling system updates (metal impeller water pump, aluminum thermostat housing etc etc. )
I just removed the damper/ harmonic balancer with the aid of tools loaned to me by another forum user( thanks so much “hellcat”!!!!!”)
anyway I noticed the rubber in the balancer/damper is dry rotted/ cracking. Doesn’t look unusable but if I can I’d rather replace it. Problem is: this little ******* of a part is elusive on any parts site, as well as expensive as can be when found….also, I have the original part number as per the xk8 parts download from meadiafire from the sticky on here…
here’s where the confusion/frustration lies;

part number according to my vin is nca1411ab, next change is nca1411ae, then nca1411af, and finally aj81330…. Then part number stamped on the damper I removed is (and I quote) “ford 96jv 6316 ab 96006b”

problem: I’ve searched all these numbers and can’t find one that’s new or less than 2300us dollars.

any ideas? Mines not THAT bad but rubber part shows dry rot / cracks in it. I’d rather get new if possible but not for 2300 bucks as that’s close to a third of what I paid for the car. Any help kindly welcomed.

when I’m done with this project I’ll have a lot to report on as I’m documenting everything from parts used, their source and price, as well as pictures of everything hoping to help someone else.

thanks everyone

 

I recall seeing threads about rebuilt dampers on the forum some years ago. Try doing a google search for damper rebuild services.

 

1997 MY XK8 engines had a few upgrades and parts changes.

From Engine No. * *961216* a 'split-cone' locking setup was used.

I would install a later 'split-cone' if you have the earlier version.

Salvage yards are full of failed engines so a replacement should not be hard the find.

ANY AJ26 or AJ27 engine later than "From Engine No. * *961216*" will work.

DALE MANUFACTURING or DAMPER DOCTOR will re-do the damper for you.

 

Ok thanks a lot great pdfs but I’m still in need of a little clarification:

so are your saying any year aj26 or aj27 damper will work?

Do I need to stick with specifically 4.0l like my engine, or will a 4.2l pulley work?

mine is naturally aspirated, will a supercharged engine pulley fit/work?

the split collar thing… could you elaborate?

any other part numbers I could try or more specifically years/models to look for?(like xj8, s type or whatever it may be?

I wouldn’t mind buying a used one from eBay that in better condition than mine but don’t wanna buy the wrong thing. Thanks

 

TSB 303-10 shows the split cone!!!!!!!!!

A supercharged damper will fit but is unnecessary.
I have never tried a 4.2 damper so I cannot advise.

 

Thanks for clarification. Would a pulley from 06-09 xj8 work? Not sure what they had for engines in them but I found a nice one on ebay

 

The damper for the 4.2 may not fit since looks like the split cone was moved to the front? There could be other differences. I can't find a crossover between AJ81330 and the 4.2 AJ81116

One from an X308 (pre-aluminium body XJ8) should be OK.