It looks like it's time to swap out the timing chain tensioners, she's got 60k and I'm hearing a bit of chain slap at idle.

Dont know if I should go all apey and replace both sets, the slipper guides and the chains ...etc. I think it should be properly documented too. I don't think it looks terribly complicated but has anyone else run into trouble?

What do you guys think?

 

The 2002 model year is a mixed bag. Conversion to metal tensioners occurred on August 13, 2001 so many '02 MY cars have the latest metal tensioners. My '02 was manufactured in June '01 and had plastic tensioners. I think that the XKR 100's were all manufactured after the conversion. Check the driver 'B' column for a label that states the manufacture date. After August you have the latest and best so just enjoy.

 

I can't just ignore/enjoy it when I've got chain slap, it'll skip a gear eventually and blow the motor, heh.

 

Mine was built March 2002. I'm not thinking about doing this for my health or anything, I just noticed the last time I drove it, that it was chattering at idle and up to about 3000rpm, might be a good idea to swap them out.

 

Hi
Think Test Point is saying your model should have metal Tensioners. these dont need replacing. However if you can hear what could be chain slap, remove cam covers and look at the tensioners to see if they are metal. if they are see if the chains are under tension.
If the tensioners are red or brown in colour then these are the type that fail. look to see if they have lost shoes. replace ASAP.

Best Wishes

Steven

to carry out the checks above will take a couple of hours

 

Steveasy, i do not agree with you, even the new tensioners might need replacing if they can't provide enough pressure. The pretentioning spring could be broken too.

So be carefull with statements that the new tensioners don't need replacement.

 

My biggest concern is I can replace the primary ones, but if the slap still remains ... ugh, huge job that I dont have the time for.

 

Oh and thanks guys, once I get around to it, I'll let you know how it turns out.

 

Never heard of these engines having a timing failure - they are the 'Evo' 4 litre, meaning they have,
4.2 oil pump and pick up
4.2 Morse 'silent' triple link timing chains, primaries
4.2 all metal timing parts

They are the bullet proof unit, I own two and service a number of them.

Are you sure it's chain slap, I'd suggest a number of other things. What oil weight is in the engine currently, and type and age?

A complete timing refresh can be done in under 4 hours with the correct tools.

 

Pretty sure it's chain slap, sure sounds like it anyway. Doesn't sound like a lifter problem or anything, also doesn't sound like it's coming from the bottom end.

4.0L, 5w30 Mobile 1 Synthetic, 59k miles.

 

You can change the primary tensioners without changing the chainguides so you don't have to remove the timing chains.
Slamming chains can cause the chain to break with loads of damage as a result

 

Here is what it looks like inside when I replaced the upper tensioners which are most critical.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ics-how-52653/

 

So as it turns out, I finally got around to looking at it, turns out it wasn't an issue, it was the power steering pump pulley knocking around, after torqueing down the bolts, the knocking noise went completely away.