My accessory belt is squeaking badly and I need to replace it. Is there a how-to somewhere on here for the 4.2 S/C engine? I found this, but it looks a bit different to what I have.

Looking at the engine from the top, access would seem to be the trickiest aspect. I really can't see how I would be able to get my hand down there between the pulleys and the radiator. Can the job be done easily by a semi-competent home mechanic?

 

I actually tried to replace both the supercharger and accessory belt today. Didn't succeed. One really needs the Jag special tool for it, or a custom made one. Unfortunately I don't have a welding machine, but will probably buy one.

When removing the fan motor electric connector, I also managed to break the little plastic hook that secures the connector. It seems to be pretty secure without it though. Any ideas on how to secure it better?

 

Hi Frog,
Please see attached copied from my manual. Easy job.

 

Many thanks for those docs, but are you sure it's that easy? I mean, they say 'remove supercharger belt' as if it were easy, but access down there looks terrible to me.

Azeteg, talk of breaking bits, specialised tools and the need to weld has really put me off

 

Easy for us with NA - trickier for Frog with SC.

Graham

 

Sorry Frog, forgot these 2 docs aswell.

 

Hmm, well I'm not sure I want to attempt it, but can we put those docs in the how-to section?

 

No probs, lot easier if you have the tools and if it goes in the how to section it may help someone else.

 

Frog
I was trying to find the post about changing your belts, but couldn't. You don't have to remove anything, takes about ten minutes here's a web site for the tool, I made my own, but I was in a hurry It has a 1/2" drive to loosen the tensioner. It's a tight squeeze but doable I,m sure Avos and XKRacer will chime in. Here's one web site below.

Performance Tool Serpentine Belt Tool, Model# W84010 | Specialty Tools| Northern Tool + Equipment

 

Buy or make a flat breaker bar like this: Wilmar W84010 Serpentine Belt Tool - Amazon.com or else remove the fans and use conventonal tools. If you remove the fans you need to get under the car to detach a clip, which is not obvious.

 

Do you mean this one I just bumped? Lots of good stuff in there, thanks. And the tool is a lot more reasonably priced on your link - thanks.

 

OK, I have found (thanks to GGG) and ordered a new belt. Now I need to find that weird tool for the tensioner...

Looking at the engine bay, I am thinking the job would be a whole lot easier if I were to remove the bonnet (hood) first to improve access. Is this easy to do?

 

Would putting the hood in the service position help?

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...osition-84402/

Taking it off will be a two man job.

 

I plan to change out my belts soon and did some inestigation into the method. I have a serpentine belt tool wityh a low profile that is needed to get into the supercahrger tensioner hole. It is very tight to the fan. The fan unit is designed to raise up about 1 1/2" and lock into position. If you look at teh fan housing, you will see a slot on each side wityh a bolt in it. Just loosen this bolt and lift the fan unit and retighten the bolt. This will give the clearance needed to get the tool into the tensioner. All the connections to the fan will allow it to rise this small amount without disconnecting them.

 

Thanks, Norri. The service position will certainly help, but I was really hoping to be able to stand with my legs touching the front number plate. If removing the bonnet is too difficult, I'll make do with the Svc Pos. Thanks.

 

The Service Position should be adequate but if you really feel it necessary to remove the bonnet, carefully mark the hinge positions before slackening off the fixing bolts.

I know you're a perfectionist with your cars and getting the panel gap absolutely right again will drive you to distraction if you haven't got reference marks to help re-align the hinges.

I use masking tape on the bonnet around hinge positions and mark with a fine liner on the tape to avoid scratching into the paint. Same technique works on boot lids and doors. Makes it quick and easy to refit in exactly the same position as it was originally.

Graham

 

not to steal Frog's thread, but is a special tool need on the 4.0 also?

 

Excellent tip!

I can't imagine what gave you that idea

I have ordered one of the special tools off eBay UK (couldn't find them here in France), so we're getting there slowly. Thanks to everyone who chipped in

 

Could you not use a long breaker bar and a socket, instead of buying a special tool?
On my vette, I used a 12" cresent wrench

 

Not enough room down there.