This is my first post on this wonderful forum.

I took a chance on a 2001 XK8 which passed Maryland state inspection and brought her home yesterday.

Upon cold start this morning I heard I strange noise coming from the engine (watch short video below).

Is this something related to the tensioners / timing chain? I am the 3rd owner and don’t have the history records. She has 92k miles on her.

Any help is appreciated. (I am a novice to Jags and not mechanically gifted)

 

I’m not sure why the video is not uploading

 

regardless of the noise open up the valve covers and replace the cam chain tensioners + valve cover gaskets

https://www.ebay.com/itm/173051386756

https://www.ebay.com/itm/292739981933

 

Welcome to the forums Nathan,

You can't UPLOAD video to the forums but you can LINK to it on the likes of YouTube.

You are wise to be concerned about unusual noises on a Jaguar V8. Even without the benefit of seeing/hearing your video, tensioners are the number one cause of strange noises and should be checked as soon as possible as failure can be catastrophic.

I know that sound like I'm putting a damper on your new purchase but get it checked, if need be get it fixed and then enjoy the vehicle. A sorted XK8/XKR is a pleasure to own and drive.

Graham

 

Thanks Graham for the advice.
Fwiw - the battery is now totally dead. My diagnostic tool says bad cell and it won’t respond to my battery charger. I will just call AAA and have it towed to a Jag specialist in a few days.

 

Here is the link:

 

These motors run like sewing machines when they're on song.

Please check, preferably before you start the motor again. Lift the cam covers and take a look. If you can do this yourself, you're only into a small number of hours and around $100 in parts for replacement gaskets if the tensioners have already been replaced with 3rd gen. metal.

If a tensioner lets go, you're into a world of pain.

 

Also check idler pulley for the fan belt. If there's excessive side-to-side movement it means the bearings in the idler are shot.

 

I had the Jag towed to a reputable auto shop and the head mechanic/owner reported that the noise was caused by the starter which was constantly running and hitting the flywheel (which he said looks ok).
He says he needs more time to check what is causing this to happen - hopefully not a computer problem. Any thoughts perhaps from those who may have experienced the same problem?

 

That's really odd. He says the starter is running, as in engaged with the flywheel? I've had that happen on an old Chrysler and the sound was unnerving!

 

+1 on its being odd.

You can pull the starter relay under the false bulkhead cover:



..to eliminate the electronics, but could be a sticking starter pinion if it is indeed staying engaged?
Note it won't start off the key while the relay is unplugged.

Do check the tensioners whatever the outcome.

 

Updates:

Head mechanic/owner said that:

1. the computer module needs to be replaced as it defective with burnt marks in many areas. He called his salvage yard contacts but no replacement could be found. He found one in Ebay which he thinks could be the right replacement. Hoping this sorts out the problem
2. he also found 3 blown fuses and that my 1 Day old brand new AGM battery drained and wouldn’t start the car -
this is a separate issue that needs to be addressed

 

Engine cranking control is a function of the Body Processor Module (BPM). Is that the computer module your mechanic has ordered?

Cheers,

Don

 

That’s correct!

 

Before you put the new BPM in:

Is your car a convertible?
Which fuses were blown?

 

I asked him but he was unable to tell me which ones exactly. But he said they were in several places like the drivers side, passenger side and the boot. So far he installed née replacements and they have not blown.

 

OK, if the fuses haven't blown again and your gearshift interlock is working, you should be OK

The BPM rarely gives trouble, but if it's burnt inside then check the wiring to the sun visor courtesy lights, particularly if the headlining has been removed in a previous attempt to fix the latch mechanism.

The lamps are fused, so there's an element of protection, but there have been some cases of the BPM going up in smoke.

 

I have a BPM with the number LJA2500AG/XXX on it. My car is a '97, so it might not be compatible. However, I'm in the MD suburbs of DC and own a '97 coupe that I've fixed (and continue to fix!) everything on it.
If interested in the BPM and/or you're nearby and want to exchange info, please message me.

EDIT: Oh spot! I also have a brand new starter motor among my cast off parts.

Moderators Note...I haven't checked the rules so hope it's ok to say I have these parts....I'm not a scrap yard, nor am I parting out my car...I just have some odd bits left over from my misadventures in wrenching and may be located close to the thread starter.