So I finally got around to doing the upper tensioners on my 2001 XK8. Even though it has less than 30k miles I wanted to get them done so I could relax a little

Overall the job went well and I had no major issues... the hardest part of the job seemed to be disconnecting the part-load breather tube on the left bank - but after searching the forum I found that I could stick two small screwdrivers on either side of the clip and then pull it off without a hitch. I also replaced the plugs while I was at it... it all probably took longer than it should, but I was just putzing along smoking a stogie and taking my time. Luckily the dip stick tube pulled up and over the bolt without too much aggravation - I grabbed it with both hands and just started to slowly pull on it (the dipstick, that is) and it slowly pulled up enough to get it over the end of the bolt - whew....

The valve cover set I bought from Amazon (Victor-Reinz) was perfect and I got the tensioners from SNG (for around $140 shipped with the new bolts and the forum discount).

Here are some pics from the job:

Before I started - still time to back out...


Here is the right bank old one:


And then the new one:


Here are pics of the old tensioners - you can see minor wear from the timing chain and some of the small cracks in the front, but all in all they seemed to still be in fairly good shape - BUT, better safe than sorry!




Here are two pics of the old plugs... the plugs looked good and shows the car was running/burning fine. I bought some new Iridium plugs and threw them in while I had the coils out and all. These are the plugs from the left bank:


And the right bank plugs:


A big thank you to all those that went before me as it definitely made the job easier and less strenuous

 

Well done and that takes a lot off your mind.

Wayne

 

Excellent Chris,
Now you don't have to worry every time you start her up.

 

Good Work and eases all us followers who will be doing it in the future to see the success that following the guidelines brings. I'll be doing mine this week, expect parts later today via UPS and then maybe tomorrow... piece of mind with a few hrs time.

 

Also did my secondary tensions this weekend. Went we'll with the exception of breaking a cam cap bolt. Torque wrench setting accidentally got changed. No biggie though got bolt out easily and replaced. Big thanks to the forum for guidance in this job.

 

Hi

Glad to be joining your Forum!

I am buying a 2003 XJ8 Vanden Plas with 72,000 miles on it this week. Flying out to the East coast and driving her back to Minneapolis. The car is a 2 owner car with the current owner owning it since 37,000. The current owner is a an elderly gentleman that obviously cares for his cars and has the resources to do so too. The car is almost like new inside and out and has been well taken care of (oil changes every 3 months, never driven in winter and regular services, etc). He just had a new fuel pump put in and it passed PA inspection 2 weeks ago.

I do not think that the timing chain tensioners have ever been serviced and from what I learned speaking to Carlos at Continental Jaguar it is not certain that a 2003 would automatically have the Gen 3 (metal) tensioners and that the only way to tell for sure is to look and see.

With that said can you or anyone in the Forum tell me...

1) How long did it take you to do the service you described to replace just the top tensioners?

2) With 72k on the ODO is it likely that the other items such as chain guides, etc. would also need to be changed or can I most likely be good with just doing the top tensioners? I still plan on looking from the top down to see if I can see any problems (Carlos indicated that this is possible) and will certainly do more if I see any problems but don't want to do unnecessary work/expense if it is premature (It would seem to me that these components should last at lease 100k). What are your thoughts?

3) Obviously replacing guides, etc is a much bigger job. How long of a job is it to do all of that vs. just the top tensioners & plugs?

Please advise! I am a competent mechanic and do most of the work on all my cars but as of this point am a Jaguar neophyte and want to make sure that I take proper care of this beautiful car!

Thanks!

 

Welcome to the forums tbraunski. You are presently in the XK8 forum. For questions specific to your car, post in the X308 forum.
That being said, the engines are the same so there is common information. Metal tensioners were used after Aug. 8, 2001. You will have to probably have to call a dealer and supply the VIN to get the engine build date.

When you have time, please visit the new member area and introduce yourself and your car.

New Member Area - Intro a MUST - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum

 

We need an official forum badge for the vivitar or signature area for those that have changed their own tensioners.

Jaguar bills about 4 hours for the secondary tensioners, 8 hours for the entire job. I did my upper ones in four hours while detailing the engine and carefully taking my time as it was the first time on a Jaguar.