I am new to the Jaguar world. Purchased my 2001 2 months ago (73K miles) and have been very pleased. However yesterday it failed to start and now it will barely run with some backfiring. I suspect something with engine timing on at least one head. I understand there are 3 timing chains that operate the cams. First if the timing has shifted or I have lost a chain are there interference issues with pistons and valves? Second is there a way to pull engine codes without a computer? I can see the port side cam turning thru the oil filler cap. I have not investigated further yet.


signed: praying there is no valve damage!!

 

Sounds like you would be better pulling the engine apart instead of pulling codes. I wouldnt turn it over until i had checked under the cam covers

 

+1 on removing the cam covers. If a tensioner has failed and one of the exhaust cams skipped a tooth it would run rough. The backfires may indicate that you have skipped two teeth and have some bent valves.
It would be unwise to try starting the engine until you have checked the timing.

 

+2 Don't try to start the engine.

If the secondary timing chain tensioner is in pieces then you have bent valves.

Another possibility is that your oil pump failed and a camshaft seized from lack of oil or the sprocket broke the alignment dowel on the end of the cam. (This happened to me a few months ago)

So even if the secondary tensioner is intact you should run a compression test before trying to start again.