OK I really want to know are OEM MAHLE VS50397 gaskets a good choice or are the Jaguar made ones the go to? The price is double on the factory gaskets and they do not come with the O rings. Thanks..

 

When I did tensioners I used the OEM parts from Jagbits a forum sponsor. I reused the bolt seals on all but 2 they were hardened and brittle. Make sure to clean the cam covers well and check for cracks. Cracks around the bolts are a major cause of leaks. Pretty simpe change out just follow the pattern and torque values in the tech manual

 

I installed these exact gaskets from Rockauto ($43.94 shipping incld) in May 2017. I have had good results with anything that has the brand"VICTOR REINZ" on it as these do.

One other note, my understanding is that the upper rear cam cover bolt on both banks is a different alloy due to sensor interference, so location is important. So far, I have not seen anything to the contrary.

 

Oh, I just saw the attachments. The M/ Victor Reinz set also included all the spark plug area O ring seals and all cam cover bolt isolator seals.

 

The important bolts are the rear ones toward the fire wall. They are a differnet alloy for the cam position sensor. Make sure if you change seals on the bolts you put them back in the right place as some of them hold the engine covers and some hold brackets.

 

I had to replace both sides on my 2000 Xk8 and had good results with the Victor Reinz gaskets. Make sure to be the o rings as mine were hard as rocks.
I think Mahle and Victor Reinz are the same company and would not hesitate to use either.

One other comment would be to make sure you use the correct torque and tightening sequence. Also RTV silicon sealer was used to give a little extra sealing, noting excessive.

 

The only place that RTV is necessary on the cam covers is at the split line joint for the front timing change cover. The compression of the o-ring surface is all that is needed for a seal.

 

Oh boy I never knew about different alloy bolts. Didn't pay attention when I did the timing chain job 20k miles ago; other than length. Although I installed all new Jag gaskets the covers weep oil at the rear. Very irritating, so i want to cure it. When I do the job, how can I identify the different alloy bolts? By color, magnetism, visual clues?

 

Call an evocator.......................Vern?

 

I just did this job and used the Jagbits valve cover gaskets.... they seem to be working fine so far.
Mike in TN

 

Order the vvt seals separately they do not come in the kit

 

Assuming it's the same as on the AJ26, then the 'special' bolts are the only ones that aren't captive in the cam cover isolators (the bobbin-shaped spacers). They are a different colour:- BobRoy kindly posted a picture:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...3/#post1658791

They should be fitted in the uppermost rear postion.

If it's still weeping oil, did you replace the rubber washers under the cover bolts? I was advised to replace them and did so - no leaks

 

Thanks for the link on the bolts. Oh yeah I never take shortcuts...all new seals, gaskets, R-rings and bolt head rubbers washers.

 

Thanks for the clarification and link. I knew that the special ones were not captive, but I did not want to go out on a limb and pretend to know more than I really did. Actually, I normally put each fastener back in the location where I remove it from.