I checked out the tensioner on the left side and lined up the cams. Everything looks good. See pics. However, now that I have everything put back together again, I have a question. I noticed that the tensioner on the left side kept pressure on the timing chain so that there was no slack. However, going back to the picture of the tensioner on the right side, you can see that it appears to be pushed all the way in and is not putting any pressure on the timing chain. Does this mean it needs to be replaced. In a previous post, I estimated that I could pull up on the timing chain and get about an 1/8" of slack. I'm thinking that maybe it it more than that -- maybe 1/4". Are the tensioners spring loaded? Where to I go from here? (I still haven't tried to start the car again.)

 

If they are working properly, oil pressure forces the tensioners out against the chain when the engine is running. There is a spring in 2nd and 3rd gen tensioners that is released by pulling an orange pin after installation. The tensioners are shipped with the pin installed. Shorter bolts are used with the 3rd generation too. If the pin wasn't pulled or the bolts are too long then you may not be getting full extension on that tensioner.
Vector

 

It looks as if your tensioners are all later genration and your timing is fine. Go ahead and button it back up.

I think the next step is to check for fuel pressure a the schrader valve on the fuel rail. You might have a bad fuel pump.

 

Thanks Vector. There was no pin. Sounds like the oil pressure should push it back out. The cams line up so I assume it's working as it should --- or, should I open it back up?

Thank you WhiteXKR. I'll look into the fuel pump. I'm very relieved that the cams line up and I've got the 3rd generation tensioners. Still a little worried about the one on the right side though.

Karl

 

Help: My 1997 xk8 is acting up. It has died a couple of times the last few years but i let it set a few days in it seems fine. Some times it would run fine for a month sometimes for a few hours. This time I pulled out of the garage for the season with new bat. and drove about 100 miles w/no problems. Put it in the shop, changed oil/filter and now wont start. in the past years I got the stab fault on the panel. I bought a reader and now I get p1242, p0102, p0112 & p1229. I pulled and cleaned the wheel sensors. I pulled the abs control box, split it and don't see any problem. Is there anything else to ck before I put it back together? Any way to ck the pins other then visual? Thanks to all. AkJag

 

[QUOTE=AkJag;715229]Help: My 1997 xk8 is acting up. --

You may want to start another thread. I would answer your question but I'm a newbie with little knowledge of things mechanical and needing help to get my XK8 issues fixed. This is a great bunch of Jag owners. Very helpful! Good luck resolving your issues!!

Karl

 

Thanks. I am a newbe too. I try again

 

AkJag
There's an enormous amount of info on your problem you can find by searching this Forum.
If that doesn't work then, as Karl says, start your own thread.
Don't forget the advice about putting your car's details in your signature.

 

A big THANK YOU to everyone for all your help and comments!! With your help I, a mechanical inept, was able to pull both valve covers, verify that the tensioners are metal, check to make sure the cams line up, and replace the valve covers. After it was all back together, I turned the key and it fired up with a "restricted performance" message and error code 1000 (which, based on other threads, means the system hasn't gone through all its checks). I turned it off, restarted and drove it 200 miles with no issues. On one of the starts it did sputter again but then it was fine. I'll keep an eye on it but I am VERY relieved that 1) the tensioners are metal and that I didn't ruin the engine. Now, I'll have to focus on other topics such as how to get better radio reception. (Mine is just awful!) THANKS again to everyone --- especially to Steveinfrance and Vector -- Bon chance and blue skies to both of you respectively. Karl

 

Didn't want to forget anyone. THANKS also to Paul, Steveeasy and GGG (and anyone else I may have missed). You're all awesome!