She's a 2000 XK8 coupe, 4.0 ltr, with the last 5 VIN of A05456 which as I understand has the plastic tensioners. The car runs fine with no noticable noise at start up, the mileage reads 50510 and the previous owner had the water pump and thermostat changed out, but as far as I can tell the original tensioners are still in the car. Here's my questions, and thanks in advance for any assistance:
1. Do I need to have only the top tensioners changed out?
2. Should the chains be replaced if not damaged?
3. Jaguar OEM or is there an acceptable alternative?
4. Best place to purchase parts?
5. What should I expect to pay for this work to be done?
5. What recommendations do you have to preserve the car mechanically?
The car has been really taken car of and has not been abused. Before I purchased the car I did some research on the engine, got mixed up with the cylinder liners and the tensioners, though I was ok when the last 5 digits of the VIN was preceded by an A. Now I don't know what to do and I'm affraid to drive the car in fear of ruining the engine. Luckily this isn't my primary mode of transporation and I've got time to save up some cash to get the work done. Help please. Thanks again.

 

call around and find out who the jag independent mechanics are. Ask what they will charge to handle replacing secondary tensioners.

While far less discussed, the 5 speed ZF auto transmission in the non-XKR models has had it own serious replacement problems.

However, none of this is that out of the ordinary. Porsche liquid-cooled Boxster or 911 circa 1999-2008 = 5% chance of complete engine failure from IMS engineering oversight. BMW SMG transmissions = $7500 repairs, VANOS on M series can run $4000.

Jaguar not that big a deal. Just interview mechanics and choose someone to get the job done.

Been there, done that, it's manageable. Welcome to the best forum on the planet.

 

1. Yes most likely only the secondary tensioners. The primaries are less of an issue, especially with 50k miles.
2. No, not if not damaged. Some members here have not changed them with well over 120k miles on the clock.
3. see #4
4. RockAuto, Guadin Jaguar, Partsgeek, Jagbits and others are good sources for parts. Check out our sponsors or find some on Gus' excellent site (JagRepair.com)
5. If you do not want to tackle this yourself (I didn't), find a good independent who knows Jags. Go to the AL region section of the forum and ask around. $600 - $900 range with an independent shop is fair.
5. Do the usual maintenance, fix the common issues from the DIY section and drive it! These cars hate to sit around and will punish you for lack of attention.

I would not be afraid to drive it while you find the right mechanic. It will also have the benefit of getting you familiar with the car in case there should be any other issues.

Enjoy and welcome to the forum and to your new Cat.

 

Welcome!

Please take a moment to do a proper introduction here: New Member Area - Intro a MUST - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum

 

welcome and enjoy!

 

Thanks everybody, my hobby begins.

 

'These cars hate to sit around and will punish you for lack of attention.'

Best advice ever. With each question I asked, my mechanic would always emphasize, just drive it!

Then I left it with friends while living in Hawaii. Newest piece of advice? Don't trust non-Jag owners to know how to care for these babies...

I'm catching up on fixing what Ms. Jiggy didn't like or issues that weren't watched close enough while I was away.

Beauty of it is... she responds to TLC just fine. One more trip to mechanic and she'll be purring away. Meanwhile, she's working a bit harder than necessary, but hangin til she's primo again!

Awesome car!

Enjoy!

Sandy