After finding for sure my motor is original to my 97 xk8 coupe, and with 68,500 miles on it , and hearing a rattle like noise at startup lately, I pulled off the camshaft covers both sides to reveal exactly what I didn’t want to see. Full plastic tensioners (at least for secondary that I can see)
I will attempt to attach a video I took.
passenger and driver side secondary tensioners look totally different, not sure if that’s normal. Pass side seems pretty decent, not much movement or play. Drivers side has a lot of slack in chain, and tensioner can be moved by hand in and out….not good at all im assuming.
anyway, I’ve read the sticky thread about replacing these and primary tensioners as well as guides… I’m pretty confident I can do it but need a few tips as to what exact special tools I will need and any hints or tips for performing the service by anyone who’s been through it.

if anyone out there is willing to sell/rent/loan the special tools needed that would be a great help. I can pay for shipping costs to me and returned to you if your nowhere near me, I’m in western MA by Springfield for reference.
thanks to all who help in advance-steve

 

If you can't find a member with tools available for you to borrow, JCNA has a tool loan program for members @Coventry Foundation can provide details/assistance

 

Take comfort from knowing that the job you have to do to put things right will be a lot less painful than dealing with bent valves & damaged pistons. You've dodged the bullet.

A couple of tips:
Beware most of the timing kits come with the wrong primary guides meant for the later Morse primary chains. Double check this before you buy.

With your mileage, I'd be tempted to re-use your existing chains as it's unlikely the kits contain OEM.

Cam cover gaskets for the early cars are different: one should be grey and the other orange. They're altogether more substantial than the later parts.

I'd drop the sump and give it a clean out as you may find bits of plastic from the tensioners and guides congregated around the oil pump filter.

 

Hi Stevis05,

Check your private mailbox, I have the tools you need for this job (camlocks, cranklock), your not too far away and you are welcome to borrow them.

 

You need a crank pulley remover for JAG V8, it can be done without it, but I would highly recommend the special tool.
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