A few weeks ago when I was replacing the coil,I decide to check to see if my tensioners had been replaced from the previous owner. They weren't so I ordered some and did them today. They were both cracked but not sure how close it was before they let go. The one on the right bank was the worst. If anyone has any experience in this area would like to know how long before it was toast if I hadn't changed them. Thanks

There should be an attachment.

 

As soon as cracks appear, it could literally of been any time, you did good!

 

Just be happy that you got around to replacing them before they let go.

How many miles on that set?

 

54,234 miles

 

You were lucky man. I have a 97 xk8 bought in sept 2010 with 31.5K miles. As soon as I got it, I changed the upper tensioners (they were OK), the shock mounts, front and rear (they were pretty bad), and the thermostat. Didn't want to take the risk as it can cost an engine.

 

Stage 1: Original Tensioners when New.

Stage 2: Original Tensioners, now Cracked.

Stage 3: This:

 

Your timing was right!

 

Your post might need fixing, because the wording seems fudged up due to the attachment

edit: ok the edits crossed each other.

 

I heard that when you start the car ,if you had the plastic tensioners you would hear a noise.When I got it about 8 months ago it sounded OK so I just assumed ( I know, assume nothing) it was already done. I've been chasing bad coils and the RP coding since I got the car.When changing,swaping and replacing coils I noticed my gaskets were gone on the covers so I ordered the gaskets and changed one about two weeks ago, when I took the cover off low and behold I saw I had the plastics ones so I ordered the new ones and changed them today. From what everyone has been saying,I guess I lucked out. Thanks guys.

 

ZMANN96, Hop in the car and visit Atlantic City. You've got the force with you. Jack

 

I know....... I dodged a bullet on that one from what I've heard.