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Help with correct part numbers for timing chain tensioner replacement 1998 XK8 4.0
Good Day
I recently had an oil leak attended to on my 1998 4.0 XK8 (which was traced to the LH Bank cam cover). unfortunately it became apparent that the timing chain still has the original plastic tensioners, guides etc after 120k miles, which was a bit of a surprise. I was looking to sell this vehicle on and concentrate on improving my other 2 XKs but I won't part with it until this has been put right.
I know there are various generations of replacement tensioners out there, but could someone advise me which part numbers are the most appropriate for my XK8 to do the job properly and also whether it is worth changing the primary and secondary timing chains as part of this process for the new owner please. I'm not a competent mechanic but I know someone who is, who can do the work I just need to provide him with the correct parts and plenty of mugs of tea .
Timing chain kit: for Lincoln LS
DNJ. # TK4162 $172 @ Rockauto.
Everything fits perect except in my opinion the guides are incorrect. Some members have used the guides in the kit but I didn't like the way they fit. I got the guides separately from SnG listed below. Still cheaper than buying a Jaguar kit.
Cam cover kit: for Lincoln LS
Fel-Pro. # VS50724R. $44 @ Partsgeek.
Doesn't come with VVT seal.
VVT seals:
2- AJ8256. $5ea @ AutohausAZ
SNG Barrett for next items.
Timing cover gaskets:
AJ83699. $16
NCA2127AC. $17(Lincoln LS different)
Chain guides:
2- NCA2025AB. $23ea
2- NCA1998AB. $33ea
From RMEUROPEAN
Crankshaft seal:
AJ83698. $10.
Total: $381.25 + any shipping charges
This is what I found that works for the best price. You can do your own research and may do better.
Nice pair of Jags. It's great that you won't sell w/o fixing the tensioners. I've asked several sellers of early Jags if the tensioners have been replaced. Some sound like they really don't know what a tensioner is. However some do and claim ignorance. There's a 2000 (96k) on Craig's. Was 7,500 and suddenly 5,000. I asked about tensioners and he dodged the question. Says the check engine light just came on. He knows P codes and says it's primary ignition not valve train. However he doesn't know about tensioners? That's hard to believe.
Tensioners is easy, its the "3th generation metal upgrade" ones you need, both upper and lower. (And I dont think the older plastic version is for sale anymore)
As for chain guides you have two options; the old all plastic type Part no NCA1998AB & NCA2025AB.
Or the metal upgrade Part no NCA1998ABM & NCA2025ABM.
Secondary chains are Part no EAZ1286
Primary chains are listed as Part no EAZ1269, but some vendors refers to two different lengths; 104 links up to engine no 9810282359 or 106 links from engine no 9810290001.
At the same time there where some changes to the valve cover and timing cover gasket.
To be sure, as your car is from 1998, you should look at your engine no (top front of engine).
Or look in your valve covers, if the spark plug gasket are separated your engine are from after 9810290000.
The older style spark plug gasket look like this:
I just couldn't sell the car without the work being done, it just wouldn't be right. Apart from the dishonesty of selling a car with such a problem which would keep me awake at night; a catastrophic engine failure at this time in its life would probably be a one way ticket to a breakers yard which would be upsetting after trying to improve her during my ownership. The car is by no means perfect, but she is better than she was this time last year.
Just by means of a quick update. The timing chains, tensioners and guides have all been changed much to my relief, along with a new water pump and several gaskets, seals an oil and filter change and a few other bits.On the plus side I managed to significantly beat Jaguar's list prices buying genuine parts off EBay which saved quite a bit of cash. Unfortunately I then started getting an airbag fault (which has been covered in a separate thread, but hopefully also will be resolved in the near future.) Oh the joys of Jaguar ownership .
Hello BobRoy,
I am also preparing to replace the timing set on my 2001 XK8.
I tried to follow the links that you posted, but I am getting error messages. I am especially interested in the easiest way to remove the crank pulley. I saw a home fabricated tool, but I don't have a machine shop.
Thanks ahead of time.
Tensioners is easy, its the "3th generation metal upgrade" ones you need, both upper and lower. (And I dont think the older plastic version is for sale anymore)
As for chain guides you have two options; the old all plastic type Part no NCA1998AB & NCA2025AB. Or the metal upgrade Part no NCA1998ABM & NCA2025ABM.
Secondary chains are Part no EAZ1286
Primary chains are listed as Part no EAZ1269, but some vendors refers to two different lengths; 104 links up to engine no 9810282359 or 106 links from engine no 9810290001. At the same time there where some changes to the valve cover and timing cover gasket. To be sure, as your car is from 1998, you should look at your engine no (top front of engine).
Is this what I need for my 2004 XK8? Chain guides and tensioners are next on my list so all advice is appreciated.
Is this what I need for my 2004 XK8? Chain guides and tensioners are next on my list so all advice is appreciated.
Hi,
Your 4.2 will have come from the factory with latest-gen tensioners and chains. It will do no harm to check, but with your mileage I doubt you have anything to worry about unless you hear rattling noises from the front of the motor.
With the 4.0 (Generation 1 and 2 tensioners) life expectancy seems to be roughly 75K (depending on maintenance and severity of use).
With the 4.2 (metal tensioners, double row chain), it's going to be higher. What kind of mileage are other owners getting? Thanks
Is this what I need for my 2004 XK8? Chain guides and tensioners are next on my list so all advice is appreciated.
I've just done the primary chain guides on mine, 2004 XKR, because half of the plastic from one curved guide was sat in my sump and the chain was in contact with the backing material. Whilst in there I also changed the secondary tensioners, the wear on the plastic was fairly severe and for the cost of the parts is a no brainer in my eyes. Mine is on 110k.
Help with correct part numbers for timing chain tensioner replacement 1998 XK8 4.0
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