Hi guys


I am in the process of replacing chains and tensioners...and Thouse, and pump...and and and...on my XK8 from 98. Before I replace the chains I would like to know how much slack there should be...on each side...of the long chain going down to the crankshaft...I can see when people remove the tensionr and the guides the chain is loose...but not to the same extent on each side...all your help is much appreciated:-)

 

A bunch. The slack is a product of the chains and sprockets and is not adjustable, or even an issue you need to be concerned with. It all goes away with the new guides and tensioners.

The only time slack is a concern is when the sprockets are worn and the tensioner extends beyond the maximum allowable limit.

 

Hi mhminnich

I am just worried that I don't apply the same/right amount of slack on each side because the teeth on the sprocket will prevent it from adjusting evenly...I guess;-)

 

When you position the crank and sprockets for chain install, everything will fall into place.

 

There are T-shaped? wedges in some of the tool kits that fit temporarily between the primary tensioner and the chain guide to take up the slack.

There's a good writeup on blackonyx.net with lots of pics. The patient is an X308, but relevant:
Tmingi chain and tensioner replacement

As mhminnich says, it should all go together fine. There are no splines, woodruff keys or other locating mechanisms on the cam sprockets. They're just held tight against the cams. Looks a bit weird at first. Make sure you get the vvts fully retarded and the slack out of the secondary chains:- another special tool or you can improvise.

Good luck!