Hello to All and Happy New Year,

I do hope all of you that have a lot of experience with XK8/4.0 Liter engine will respond to this thread.

I am planning on replacing the secondary tensioners on my 2000 XK8 that has 40K miles on it. I can do this readily after reading all the forum info on the technique. No problem there. But, of course, I will not be messing with the primary chain and tensioners. My question is.....Has anyone ever had a failure of the primary system that resulted in valve damage with out a warning noise in the front of the engine. From what I have read it seems like that the secondary tensioners are the main problem. And if I replace them I will get many years of service from the car since I only drive it for fun and don't put many miles on it each year.

Input on this subject will be greatly appreciated.

EZ 2000 XK8 1995 XJ6 Long EZ

 

I have a similar situation - 2000 XKR with 30K miles and I only drive it 4K per year or so. Everthing I've read points towards replacing ALL the chains and tensioners for a 100% fix of our model year's timing chain weaknesses. I didn't have the time or money to make that happen right now so I went with the upper tensioners only this past weekend which by all accounts should get me by for quite a while. In 3 to 5 years I plan to replace the whole lot including water pump, thermostat, belts, and radiator hoses. If you have the cash and the time I vote do it all now. On the other hand if you're strapped for time and/or money you can get by with just changing the uppers for now. I added a few lessons learned to Simon's secondary tensioner thread. Best of luck whichever way you go.

Ken