What are some of the symptoms of knowing when you need to change your timing chain tensioners? My 02 xkr has 112k miles (bought at 108k) and I don't think it'd been done. I recently began hearing a strange noise at around 2400 rpm and then it goes away. At idle, it sounds like it ticks more than it should. Probably can't REALLY hear it from the video, but it sounds abnormal to me. I want to get them replaced, but I'll have to see how much the dealership charges. I'd just like to know if there's a way you can tell.

 

1. Do not go to the dealership. Most of them do not know the early V8 very well, and many just see you as retirement funding.

2. A subject of 'could this be tensioners' would be more useful. It's unlikely for a 02 XKR to have failed tensioners.

3. Ask the forum for suggestions for a independent shop in your area.

 

...valve heads dropping out of the tailpipes.

Seriously, to my untrained ear, I hear the injectors ticking but nothing else untoward. 2002 will have the 3rd gen tensioners: there have only been one or two reports of their failing, so unlikely.

You're obviously concerned, so have someone who you trust take a look.

That motor is spotless!

HTH,
Mike

 

Oooh I didn't know that. Thought they switched to metal in 04 or 05. Interesting. Thanks!

 

My 2002 XK8 build date is June 14, 2001. Best I can determine from research done by others on this site, my tensioners are not "first generation," but they still contain a substantial amount of plastic and are not the latest generation.

I have had my tensioners inspected and plan to have them replaced as preventative maintenance. Is it possible, if your car was built later that year, that it had the mainly metal tensioners?

 

Nice, mine was 01/2002. I'll most likely be getting it inspected. I just have to find a credible place to do it. I don't want my car blowing up on me lol

 

My '02 had the second generation plastic tensioners which were cracked half way up upon replacement. The conversion to metal tensioners occurred in August 2001 but many '02 cars were built by then.

If your manufacturer date is January 2002 then you are about 95% safe. The August date is for the engine manufacture and there is not a direct correlation between engine date and final assembly date.

 

+1 on it not being an abnormal sound, and a big double plus 1 on not using the dealer for replacement. Find a decent indie or DIY and save yourself some serious dollars.

 

That's a big help! I appreciate the explanation

 

Yeah, kinda sounds like a diesel engine. Haha but that ticking gets me wondering every time