Cam cover oil leaks. New gaskets were installed last July when I replaced the cam chain tensioners. In Feb this year, smelled burning oil when car was idling at traffic lights. RHS cam cover gasket was leaking. Replaced it and smell was gone. Then a few months ago smelled burning oil again. Checked same area, no leak. Checked the LHS and after some gymnastic moves under and over the car did find the oil leak at the cam cover. This was at the same location as the RHS leak, but on LHS.
Common? Or did I just get some inferior grade gaskets when I changed the tensioners? Don't know the manufacturer of those.

 

Try the Jaguar branded gasket from SNG BARRATT.

https://www.sngbarratt.com


If your tensioner kit was aftermarket it’s not surprising that leaks are cropping up.

Z

 

Yeah, aftermarket, they appeared to be decent quality but....

 

I was advised by one of the sages here that replacing the cam cover isolators NCA2575CA (the rubber rings on the cam cover bolts) was key to ensuring a good seal, since it is those that provide the clamping force against the cylinder head, and their location makes them prone to baking over time.

I've had no subsquent leak issues.

 

I would also check the Breather system. If it get's clogged, it could cause some pressure to build, causing a leak. Hope this like works...

https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=h...ings600-03.pdf

 

The gasket kits I got both times included the gaskets/retainers for the cam cover bolts and made sure I replaced those as well as the spark plug hole gaskets, Michael.
The last gasket set I got was Mahle brand, no idea of quality of their gaskets.

I will definitely check the breather system Darbysan, thanks so much for that document. Not heard of that before.
Will report back on whether there appears to be a clog in the system.​​​​​​​ Going to replace the LHS gasket when the weather is a bit less stifling here. Rain or at least clouds make the garage much more tolerable.

 

Howdy Nick:
In May 2017, I purchased "MAHLE ORIGINAL/VICTOR REINZ VS50397" (2002 XKR) cam cover gaskets from Rockauto on sale for just under $44 including shipping. I have had over 5 years of good service and no leaks from them.

 

Dr.D that is encouraging. The remaining left side gasket set is from the Mahle kit I bought in February. I will likely do this tomorrow since we are getting some nice rain and cooler temps right now. While I'm at it, I will also check out the breather system.
Thank you.

 

+1 on the breather PDF. I use that instruction at each oil change. I am thinking that such a clog may eventually lead to failure of the catalyic converters. I am going under the assumption of a similar experience that I had with my son's Prius. Maybe some other members can verify.

 

The official original TSBs issued by Jaguar.

 

My experience with Mahle components and tools has always been that they are of very high quality....

 

In reading this procedure it says to hold a piece of paper to see if it’s sucking….that makes sense with the engine running. It never says to turn the engine off prior to cleaning the breather tube. I’ve cleaned my breather tube, but always with the engine off. Have I been doing it wrong?