Chain tensioners
2005 xk8, 69k miles.
My car is in the Indy for a chain tensioner replacement, and they are also changing the VVT solenoid . Just wondering if this is common practice for both to be done at the same time? Confused why the chain tensioner is out to begin with as I research my car before I bought it they said the tensionsioner pretty much don't wear down. But then again I have no idea what the history is of the car. Your thoughts please on the VVT solenoid being replace the same time as the tensioner is replaced. Thanks for your help guys.

 

You can do a search on the Tensioners and you will find a host of information and the reasons you change them. The main problem is that the old tensioners crack and fail and you can see this in the two procedures that are with this link.

Link Chain Tensioners Replacement Procedure JagRepair.com - Jaguar Repair Information Resource

As for the VVT I have not seen many replaced however, I have heard of problems with them because of the wrong oil viscosity or the lack of servicing / changing the oil. I am also sure you could find more information on this forum if you do a search.

 

The O.P. is showing a 2005 car - which should be a 4.2 with the metal tensioners - I understood that these rarely fail?

 

Good point, so what are the reasons behind the tensioner and VVT renewal?

 

Yes what they said.

 

RedXK8, I sure would like to see a picture of the tensioners they take out.
Were you hearing a noise of did they say this is a good idea?


Wayne

 

I heard a rattling noise

 

That is a cause for concern.


Wayne

 

That's why I took it into the Indy. I am going to go to the Indy today see what's going on.

 

Need some guidance please. As you read above I have chain tension situation, now my Indy tells me with the valve covers off they still can't tell if it's just my top chain tension. The coldstart rattle is so slight they can't tell me if it's the top or the bottom chain tension. Does this Hold water? .

 

Can't answer whether that holds water or not but I did have everything changed (upper, lower, guides, chains, all gaskets, and water pump) and it was about $2,500. I know you asked earlier but I have been absent for awhile. Best luck I hope you get it sorted out.

 

It's my understanding that the metal body tensioners ratchet into a locked position and can not collapse unless the mechanism fails. If that happens I would expect it would be possible to push the shoe away from the chain. This could then be checked on the secondaries but not the primaries.

We are all concerned over this issue, as it indicates upgrading tensioners may not be a permanent fix.

 

Got with the mechanic today. We seem to be chasing our tail here. So we're going to closest system up change to oil get the proper filter in proper oil change go from there. Next idea is some type of gear down in the timing cam that pushes the oil up issue. We're going to do one step at a time though. The mechanic has replace the chain tensioner very little wear on the tensioner. We're also going to look into the serpentine belt pullies. Before we get deep into the cam oil Doohickey

 

Update on my Jedware 2000 XK8 69kmiles on it. Mechanic seems to think is the VVT gear seal, loosing oil pressure overnight. We're thinks this is the problem costing around $1800. Please give me your feedback on this. It's interesting that he diagnosis by terms of oil returning to the gear tensioners that there is air bubbles on a fresh coldstart which indicates to him that it's drawing back down and not holding the oil pressure overnight or for several days. Give me your thoughts please, thank you

 

You need to be more accurate with your posts. First you say your vehicle is a 2005, then you say your vehicle is a 2000. Big difference with very different engines. Provide accurate information and you're likely to get more valuable assistance here....

 

Do you have an oil filter with a check valve installed? If not, that might explain the rattle and the low initial oil pressure.

 

I'm sorry, typo error. 2005.

 

I think your mechanic is just guessing and wants to throw parts at it. I doubt the tensioners maintain oil pressure overnight.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, the newer tensioners are supposed to have a ratchet action that prevents collapse. If this mechanism has failed it should be possible to push the shoe in after the engine has been sitting.

But I have not confirmed that this locking mechanism exists, has anyone done this?

 

I'm i'm going back to the Indy tomorrow afternoon to start the car to see if there's a rattle. He had just put in new oil and anti-back flow filter which I don't know if the last one had or not. We're waiting on parts. So I'm going to return and start the car, coldstart with the new Oil and oil filter. He did mention to me he felt the oil that he drained was much too thick for the vehicle. So hopefully I'll know by tomorrow afternoon when I coldstart the car to see if this is done the trick. Otherwise I'm looking at the other situation.

 

Went to Indy to start the car yesterday very little rattle. So I decided to bring the car home and this morning I had a rattle again. Tensioners have been checked so my Indy mechanic says it is the VVT cam gear that is drawing down oil, not holding the oil pressure over night. Says there is no harm running car but I think it's best not to run car. So it will sit till parts are in. I understand this is a very rare situation, so I'm assuming it's a lack of oil changes at proper intervals. Nothing else seems to be wrong with the vehicle, I drove it 350 some miles from Tampa up to my home in Panama City. Your thought and suggestions are always welcome. Chip, I'll try to contact you tomorrow.