Hi: I have a 99 xk8. Was looking in the parts catalog and it appears I have the 2nd generation tensioners (secondary ). I do plan on changing them but was wondering how much better were they than the 1st generation. Also just to make sure they are second generation does anyone know the VIN # they started installing these. Just wanted to double check.

 

The second generation plastic upper (secondary) chain tensioners began
with engine #9810210600 and onwards.

 

Not to put too fine a point on it, it's probably best to assume they are as lethal as the 1st gen tensioners. Some reports indicate they might last longer, but others say they give less indication of trouble.

IMO, it would be best to get them out of there ... sooner rather than later if you're at 50k miles or above

Good luck,

 

Hi, I have a 1997 and i am hearing a tensioner noise, more pronounced at idle, has anyone here done the job? what does it entail? front of the motor teardown? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks..

 

Chrisant:

I have read a bit about the tensioners. From what I understand if you are hearing the rattle do not drive your car. The secondary ones are pretty easy if you are half ways mech inclined. There is a quick way to change these which involves removing the cam cover and tie wrapping chain, removing the camshaft. If you search you will find the link. But as stated above my advice is to not run your car till its done.

 

Chrisant,

A good place to start is here ...
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...59&postcount=1

There are (at least) two different ways to approach the job, and it's not so bad if you're at all comfortable getting inside the engine. No need to tear down the front covers.

I agree with Hdsg. If what you're hearing really is a tensioner noise (sometimes other things sound similar) then you are at risk of serious damage. It's possible to bend valves and/or damage pistons if things come apart in there. Not overkill to say you should get it evaluated before driving the car again.

Good luck,

 

The second generation plastic tensioners starting breaking up on my 2000 XJ8. I caught it in time even though there was no warning rattle! At least none that I could distinguish.
I changed to the third generation metal bodied which seem to be much more robust.
You can still buy second generation tensioners on eBay. Though why escapes me!

 

I just got a price to change the tensioners on my 1998 xk8....$1,350.00
How does that sound??????

 

Sounds like a normal dealer price. An independent technician should be in the $800 range especially using the Ford sourced Thunderbird/Lincoln LS parts. The Ford parts are the same, just cost significantly less.

 

Danr:

What milage was on your car when the secondary 2nd gen tensioners started to break apart ????

 

I'm not DanR but I changed the spring assisted 2nd generation tensioners in my '02 when they were 7 years old with 46k miles on them. The chain slippers were in good shape but both tensioner bodies had cracks in them. My opinion it is heat and age more than miles that are the principal reasons for failure.

 

Hi, I Just bought 3rd generation on eBay, they were $83.00 each without the bolts, there extra, and of course no shipping. so around $220.00, Just like dennis said. Thanks Chris

 

> ... using the Ford sourced Thunderbird/Lincoln LS parts.

Please provide part numbers for those tensioners. Thanks!

 

2W9Z*6K254*BA Tensioner
2W9Z*6K254*CA Tensioner

W500301*S300 Screw X 4

 

One tensioner lost the chain slipper at about 125k mi (9 yr). It happened pretty quickly as I had had the cam covers off about 3 months previously to (unsuccessfully) fix an oil leak. The chain had worn light grooves in the steel slipper support. I consider myself very lucky! Both tensioners had cracks in the plunger body.

These tensioners fail much earlier than 125k mi so change yours ASAP.

If the water pump has not been changed from the early version then do that too.

Nikasil should not be an issue as all the bad ones are dead now!

With these updates the motors are pretty solid.

 

Paul,

Thanks for providing the Ford Part Numbers!