1999 XK8 w/ 99K miles with engine noise (old thread). Tore down cam covers and found damaged secondary tensioners. New parts ordered. I am wondering if I should be concerned about the primary tensioners. I know its a much larger project and will keep me off the road for another week or so. Do you all think I should replace the uppers (seems common ) and test drive or should I carry on with the tear down?
Thanks again
MEM

 

The primary chain guides have a tendency to crack and eventually find their way into the sump.

Given the age of the vehicle, it's false economy to just replace the secondary chains and tensioners.

Be sure to use the special tools and follow the procedure in the Workshop Manual.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Engine-Timi...QAAOSw1Cxammxa

 

change out the water pump while you are there.

Z

 

+1 with all of the above.

You'll sleep better at night.

 

like many others, I had the same issues and the same question: "should I go ahead and replace everything, or just the uppers?"
I made the choice and dug into it and am thankful I did, since all of my guides were cracked and missing chunks of material, and the lower tensioners were cracked and ready to fail. Keep in mind that its not an easy job, but worth it. You won't feel hesitant to step on the gas pedal any more!
There is plenty of "how to" on this forum, but for me the hardest part of the job was getting the crankshaft pulley off. I purchased the big crankshaft locking tool and the chain tensioner kit, and still have them if you decide to dig in too.

 

yes I will complete the entire project, do you want to sell the puller and TC kit?
THX
MEM

 

Hi Mem, Sorry I didn't respond very quickly... I have an income tax business and my free time away from work is limited right now.
Yes, I would be happy to sell the tools to a fellow XK owner.
Let me find my purchase receipts, and I will trade them over to you for a very decent price. Once yours is finished, maybe another owner can use them too.

Tim

 

You're making a good decision. I did mine at 55,000 and am still amazed that it hadn't let loose. I was lucky.... very lucky. This is what mine looked like: https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...y-luck-141848/

 

You can find the tool on ebay actually pretty cheap
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odk...r+xk8&_sacat=0

 

The timing tool kit is pretty cheap, and I have that kit too. It has the flywheel locking piece, the camshaft locking bars, tensioning guides, etc. The kit usually runs $30-$40.

The tool I am talking about is the large crankshaft restraining tool that bolts into the crankshaft pulley with a hollow core to get the crank bolt off. (For me, this was the hardest part of the job) Some people have home-made devices, but to get that bolt off which is torqued down by an elephant, you have to hold the crankshaft. The small locking piece in the above kit is NOT to be used for that part of the process.

I bought my tool from this website: jaguar.service-solutions.com
Part number 303-191 with an adapter 303-191-01 (non-supercharged) 303-191-02 (supercharged). I bought the deeper adapter for my XKR, but it will also work for an XK8. The tool bolts onto the crankshaft pulley, and has a hollow center that allows you to get your impact wrench in to remove the bolt. It also helps when trying to actually remove the pulley itself.

For all my tools, I paid over $400, not including the actual new timing chains and tensioners.
Retraining tool $235
Adaptor $147
timing tool kit $30
I'll sell them to you for $150 plus another $25 for shipping (it is very heavy). There is nothing wrong with any of the tools, but obviously they are "used". Once your job is finished, hopefully you can pass them on to the next guy and re-coup your money!

 

New chain and tensioners installed. She is purring like a cat and ready to pounce !
Thanks again for all the advice and info.
Next is the 600 mile road trip to Key West, will try to get some photos.

 

New secondary tensioners installed this weekend. Thanks for the advice. One of the old ones had the smallest of cracks starting to appear, the other looked like new. I'm taking that as a good sign for the condition of the primary tensioners and guides.

 

My indie (works on them frequently, several in his shop when he worked on mine) says since there's no noise of any kind at start up or idle, not to worry. How much work to pull cam covers to check? I know
the tensioners must be replaced soon. Right now, this one's a Sunday driver.

 

I'd say that is overly optimistic. Your 2000 likely has gen #2 (Gen #1 with a spring) tensioners. This arrangement generally doesn't give a warning.

Start with the RHS (your passenger side). You can't be 100% sure without removing both, but it's the easier one as you won't be fighting the dipstick tube.A ¼” drive set will help you with access, and the torque figures are low.

 

Thanks. If I pull the covers, tensioners may look ok now but just delaying the inevitable replacement. I'm new to X100's but the earlier years look nicer.

 

There are several XK8's (in Northern CA) for sale w/ 100k+ miles. So far, when I email, none of the owners (so far) even know what cam chain tensioners are. Checking w/ the local Jag dealer about service history on mine
to see if new tensioners. Did Jaguar do a lot of replacements?

 

I’ve been around good automotive forums long enough to know to research them before a purchase. Finding this forum when shopping for an XKR three years ago saved me from making several costly mistakes.

Also, a simple google search of “known defects” or “known issues” with a 200? XK8 or XKR” will reveal what person needs to watch out for.


Forearmed with a little knowledge of the XKR’s known issues I was able to find a very nice ‘02 XKR with 116,000 miles on it that had just had the tensioners and water pump replaced. It also came with a complete service record, revealing other consumables, (shocks, bushings, etc) that were replaced along the way.

if a person knows more about their purchase before handing over the $$$ it certainly pays off in the long run.


Z

 

My understanding of the story is that first-gen tensioners were replaced with gen. #2 by Jaguar only when a customer complained of startup rattle (see attached TSB).

Metal-bodied tensioners were fitted in motors from number 010813xxxx

The plastic-bodied tensioners never became a service item

 

Agree doing the research is the way to go. I've owned many cars. I've always used location (has to be good), service records (a must), matching quality tires (tells me car has been maintained well), clean inside, outside, engine compartment, etc. Sagging hood struts? Another simple clue that the owner hasn't taken care of the car.

Congrats on your XKR. Your research def paid off. I've driven one. Said I wanted to buy, seller ok'd a pre inspection (by a local Jag indie) but then sold it. They are a lot of fun!

Mine has been "educational". Post purchase, I now know enough to "buy smart". I've driven several. This forum has been great. Thanks everyone. Paid 4,300 and figured a max of 2,500 in repairs or I sell. I'm in for 1,600. Fluids need to be changed, trans should be serviced (do lower pressure aftermarket valve?). Showroom perfect exterior, engine is smooth and the car drives well. The tensioners are the problem. Plan to pull the cam covers and see if they've been replaced. In the meantime, am shopping for something to keep long term. Great cars. They're a lot of fun to drive. I do think they are future classics based on climbing prices and listings by classic dealers.

 

Thanks. Very useful. Tensioners are the first question I will ask if next purchase is pre 2002.