I am down here in the Miami / Ft. Lauderdale area with my 97' XK8 and have all of a sudden started to hear a rattle coming from the engine and know all about the secondary tensioners issues... ( 90K miles )


Anyone in the Miami or Ft. Lauderdale area that would like to help me diagnose this problem or know of anyone in the area that can help?


Thanks!

 

Sorry to hear about the 'rattle'. I thought I detected one in my '00 XK8, although it was so faint, I couldn't be sure. Both my tensioners turned out to be old style, and badly cracked, Just got to them in time.


I'm just finishing up a vacation in 'Lauderdale, and have just had some work done on my X-Type by a little, very established Indie shop in Fort Lauderdale on State Rd. 84 called Gulfstream Jaguar. Peter Jacobi (?) is the owner, and he is extremely knowledgeable and fair. (954) 761-1231 Comes highly recommended by the locals (and me).

 

If it is indeed the tensioner that needs to be replaced, do you have any idea on what he would charge for this service?

 

I don't know. His labour rate is $145.00/hr, but he is very careful to charge only for real time on the car. He quoted an oil pan gasket repair, and a couple of other little jobs for me, and was true to his word even though my X fought him and cost him a lot more time than he expected. Give him a call. As I recall, it took me about 4 hrs. to do mine at home (with help from the Rev, of course!)

 

DO NOT ignore the tensioner issue. Mine failed before the 60k mile mark, and almost cost me an otherwise very healthy engine. If I can be of any help, call me at (905) 960-7229. I'm in town for another day before I point the ol' Leaper north. BRRRRRRRRR.

 

I am down here for possibly the next 3-4 weeks and need to drive the car around so am trying to find somewhere to take it as I don't know anyone in the area. And also know how serious of a problem this is so I will give him a call today to see what he says.


If you can think of anyone else let me know.

 

Gables Cats Inc. - Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo specialists since 1988.

Anywhere near you? Good luck and don't drive that car too far.

 

Anyone else have any suggestions in the area?

 

Honestly, you don't need a jaguar specialist to check your engine. These were used in Lincolns and the T'Bird, so most experienced techs can handle the job. My guys run a general service garage and can handle anything I can't (recent fuel pump replacement). See if someone there can point you to a decent garage (?AAA rated). There are a million auto service centers in Florida to go along with the millions of cars here. Just get it looked at soon before you trash the engine. If I wasn't 5 hrs away, I'd give you a hand.