Guys, being a newbie I am sure this has been discussed. I did find a string on this topic. It was a little dated so I ask the following , Is it possible to find out what warranty work was performed by a dealer on this car if I supply the vin number. She has 101,000 miles. My concern is whether the tensioners were ever replaced. Motor is quiet and runs smooth. Have her about a month and put about 700 miles on her to feel out any bugs. None of any major concern to report. So do I go ahead and replace them before an issue or can I find out if it was done. Trying to stay ahead of the curve. Thx in advance.

 

Previous to my XKR..... my first Jag was an XJ8 4.0 1999MY.
Before i splashed the cash on the car i was concerned about the Nikasil issues with the 4.0ltr engine, so my terms before i parted with any cash was to have a blow-by test carried out by a main Jaguar dealer. Before collection of the car the dealer i brought the car from (who was NOT a Jag dealer), asked me to phone the main Jaguar dealer to confirm the blow by test result. This I did and the main dealer stated the result was an acceptable result and the information would be "added" to the service history held on the Jaguar Network, for future reference.
Does this answer your question? TS

 

Unless they were replaced at a dealer and added to the history, you won't know without taking a look. Easy to pull cam covers yourself and then you will know for sure.

If they are 1st or 2nd gen (plastic) units, change them regardless of mileage.

 

+1

It's going to be a rare 1997 that has been dealer maintained from new. The tensioners could have been replaced but if so, it's more likely to have been done by an Indy or a PO and not recorded on the Jaguar Direct Dealer Warranty System.

As Mike suggests, pull the cam covers and have a look.

Graham

 

Thanks guys. I will pull the covers as suggested.

 

Don't think you'll be able to see the lower chain tensioners, the only concern is if you pull the covers see the upgrade has been completed and then "assume" it was all done only to find out later it was only a partial replacement. Not sure how easy or not......it is to contact your Main Jaguar Dealer over there, for me it was just a phone call, my name, address, the reg, give the VIN they confirm the car was mine...they tell me what i want to know...5mins phone call. If they have evidence of your query on file you'll rest easy......with a over 100K on the clock you need to know!

 

Thank you. I have the name of the dealer the car was originally purchased from.

 

I had a thought I want to bounce off you guys. My friend has a fiber optic diagnostic device for accessing tight spots. Can I get to the upper tensioner just to see if its plastic or metal. Obviously if it's plastic I am doing the whole job myself. Just a thought I am sure some of you might have tried or considered. I would go through the drivers side oil cap area. If I can't tell then I will remove valve cover. This car is tight , no leaks and runs smooth, and I want to minimize any invasive work if I can avoid it. Thx in advance.

 

Regards my earlier post to your thread...have you read the thread "Tensioner word of warning" this is why i came back to you.....it is imperative to know that all your timing gear is of the new generation, so many owners on a budget (& yes i can understand that), just replace what they have to & not what needs to be replaced. The earlier threads (#3 & #4) are from knowledgeable owners who know all to well the consequences of doing "half a job." Try the dealer route first, after all "it's only a phone call," if you draw a blank then cam covers come off and have a good look with your eyes!! If you have the old plastic ones then you have a nice weekend job on your hands, if you see the upgrade then your suggestion in post #8 could be an option (although i cannot say if it will help you or not). When you get more info after getting further in then come back here and all in here will help you. TS

 

Thanks for the update. I will update all when I know what I am working with.