new to me 1997 XK8 convertible
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Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 73
Likes: 13
From: Bryan, Texas
update: Finally finished the timing chain 2nd tensioners. Used the zip tie method. Was pleased with the way it worked out using the DIY info from the stickies on this forum! Did the start-up last evening and the Cat roared to life on the first turn of the starter and moved into a smooth purr. Am quite happy with the result.
Had a few surprises.
1) cleanest engine I've ever worked on both inside and out.
2) renewing cam cover seals was the hardest part of the job. all those fiddly grommets!
3) no dip stick clamp to the front cam cover bolt. May be due to the fact that this cat was put together very early and clamp was an update? Date inside the cam cover in yellow marker reads 12/31/96. Maybe that date is the reason!!
4) While difficult, the lower outside cam cover bolts did not cause much trouble. I did use some of the tips in the stickie (i.e. taping the universal joint, wobbly 1/4 inch drive extensions.)
5) no discernible cracks on the removed plastic tensioners (only 35000 Miles).
So I did take my time, and came away with a win! No small thanks to all the forum members who helped me along!
Thanks,
Dennis
Had a few surprises.
1) cleanest engine I've ever worked on both inside and out.
2) renewing cam cover seals was the hardest part of the job. all those fiddly grommets!
3) no dip stick clamp to the front cam cover bolt. May be due to the fact that this cat was put together very early and clamp was an update? Date inside the cam cover in yellow marker reads 12/31/96. Maybe that date is the reason!!
4) While difficult, the lower outside cam cover bolts did not cause much trouble. I did use some of the tips in the stickie (i.e. taping the universal joint, wobbly 1/4 inch drive extensions.)
5) no discernible cracks on the removed plastic tensioners (only 35000 Miles).
So I did take my time, and came away with a win! No small thanks to all the forum members who helped me along!
Thanks,
Dennis
Veteran Member
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 4,277
Likes: 1,314
From: New York New York
update: Finally finished the timing chain 2nd tensioners. Used the zip tie method. Was pleased with the way it worked out using the DIY info from the stickies on this forum! Did the start-up last evening and the Cat roared to life on the first turn of the starter and moved into a smooth purr. Am quite happy with the result.
Had a few surprises.
1) cleanest engine I've ever worked on both inside and out.
2) renewing cam cover seals was the hardest part of the job. all those fiddly grommets!
3) no dip stick clamp to the front cam cover bolt. May be due to the fact that this cat was put together very early and clamp was an update? Date inside the cam cover in yellow marker reads 12/31/96. Maybe that date is the reason!!
4) While difficult, the lower outside cam cover bolts did not cause much trouble. I did use some of the tips in the stickie (i.e. taping the universal joint, wobbly 1/4 inch drive extensions.)
5) no discernible cracks on the removed plastic tensioners (only 35000 Miles).
So I did take my time, and came away with a win! No small thanks to all the forum members who helped me along!
Thanks,
Dennis
Had a few surprises.
1) cleanest engine I've ever worked on both inside and out.
2) renewing cam cover seals was the hardest part of the job. all those fiddly grommets!
3) no dip stick clamp to the front cam cover bolt. May be due to the fact that this cat was put together very early and clamp was an update? Date inside the cam cover in yellow marker reads 12/31/96. Maybe that date is the reason!!
4) While difficult, the lower outside cam cover bolts did not cause much trouble. I did use some of the tips in the stickie (i.e. taping the universal joint, wobbly 1/4 inch drive extensions.)
5) no discernible cracks on the removed plastic tensioners (only 35000 Miles).
So I did take my time, and came away with a win! No small thanks to all the forum members who helped me along!
Thanks,
Dennis
Good stuff!
Veteran Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 4,795
Likes: 3,008
From: Jersey, Channel Islands
Well done:- that 'yeeess' moment 
The dipstick clamp location must have been a revision post-98, as mine is the same - somewhere down around the PS pump area. Maybe there was a vibration issue, although I''ve never noticed anything untoward.
The dipstick clamp location must have been a revision post-98, as mine is the same - somewhere down around the PS pump area. Maybe there was a vibration issue, although I''ve never noticed anything untoward.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Well, I bought a beautiful carnival red 1997 XK8 in August of this year with high hopes. Then I joined the forum and started reading about the issues that can belabor the marque. Don't get me wrong, I'm not new to issues with used cars, and especially high strung cars. But, the idea of the unchanged cam chain tensioners causing the destruction of this fantastic V-8 threw me for a loop. The car has only 35k on the clock, but as my nephew warned me, I was looking at the wrong clock for this engine. I have read the posts about trashed engines and even my nephews experience with a similar issue with an Audi a few years ago that cost him an engine.
Now, I am not afraid of the work to change out the tensioners. I have had many demanding cars in the past and this does not seem to be a big deal. What curls me up is how did the engineers not know that heat cycles, hot oil and lots of chain vibration do not mix well with plastic!
Well that's my rant, and I hope to follow up for any advice and help that is available through this forum. I have seen that many problems can be resolved through a mark forum,( I am a corvette owner and forum member) and will be reading all that I can about this and other issues. The knowledge here is vast, and some of it is beyond my understanding at this point. But I have confidence that the forum members will guide a new owner down the path to success.
Thanks for reading my post, and for all of the posts that will address my and others issues,
Dennis
Now, I am not afraid of the work to change out the tensioners. I have had many demanding cars in the past and this does not seem to be a big deal. What curls me up is how did the engineers not know that heat cycles, hot oil and lots of chain vibration do not mix well with plastic!
Well that's my rant, and I hope to follow up for any advice and help that is available through this forum. I have seen that many problems can be resolved through a mark forum,( I am a corvette owner and forum member) and will be reading all that I can about this and other issues. The knowledge here is vast, and some of it is beyond my understanding at this point. But I have confidence that the forum members will guide a new owner down the path to success.
Thanks for reading my post, and for all of the posts that will address my and others issues,
Dennis
Rgds Mike
Thread Starter
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Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 73
Likes: 13
From: Bryan, Texas
Mike,
Yes, the tensioners were a big fault on the 4.0 litre v8 that is in the Jaguar line. There were recalls for this and other engine issues. There is a great deal of info to be gained from the sticky note area on this forum regarding these challenges(opportunities?) to explore the mechanics of the Jaguar marque.
I don't claim any expert knowledge! But you have come to the right place. There are long time forum members who have seen it and done it all.
Read the sticky notes which will include the step-by-step directions to change out the tensioners.
Good luck, and welcome to the Jaguar owner family!
Regards,
Dennis
Yes, the tensioners were a big fault on the 4.0 litre v8 that is in the Jaguar line. There were recalls for this and other engine issues. There is a great deal of info to be gained from the sticky note area on this forum regarding these challenges(opportunities?) to explore the mechanics of the Jaguar marque.
I don't claim any expert knowledge! But you have come to the right place. There are long time forum members who have seen it and done it all.
Read the sticky notes which will include the step-by-step directions to change out the tensioners.
Good luck, and welcome to the Jaguar owner family!
Regards,
Dennis
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 473
Likes: 321
From: Maineville, Ohio
Mike, Do NOT let the woes of the tensioners and other things discourage you from this car. If you work patiently and smartly you will have a real pleasure to drive and you will have saved another great car. Educate, educate, educate yourself right here on this forum. Learn to search each issue and it's solution. This is indeed the place for helpful people that have seen just about it all. AsDennis says, the stickies area has the main issues covered. TM
Veteran Member
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 3,723
Likes: 2,322
From: on the road in NE Oklahoma
on my ‘02 XKR the tensioners failed and were replaced by the previous owner at mileage 115,000.
Subsequently I purchased the car as a daily driver and it has been as reliable as any other 20 year old car, if not more so.
Don’t be afraid to drive it all the time. Sitting unused is not kindly for these cars, with frozen fuel pumps a common result of them sitting too long
Another tip is to invest in a battery tender and have it hooked up whenever the car will be sitting overnight or longer. The electrical system is getting older and many of the connections show signs of resistance. A fully charged battery will eliminate many electrical gremlins.
Z
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 350
Likes: 576
From: Ohio
Appologys to Dennis and Tom.
Dennis, I too am a relatively new Jaguar owner of a 1998 XK8 convertible, black over silver. It was love at first site, and so far, only had to overcome some minor issues, thanks to this forum. I too am in a small town called Casstown about 60 miles up I 75 from you. Don't see a lot of Jags around here. By the way, I used to date a girl from Toledo back in the 60's. Turns out, my Jag is far more trustworthy than she was!
After reviewing my message, I realized that I had been confused about two people. But now I think I got it right, Dennis from Toledo and Tom from Mainville. Have pity on this 74 year OldCoot, sorry but I was left unsupervised.
After reviewing my message, I realized that I had been confused about two people. But now I think I got it right, Dennis from Toledo and Tom from Mainville. Have pity on this 74 year OldCoot, sorry but I was left unsupervised.
Last edited by OldCoot; Feb 13, 2022 at 05:17 PM. Reason: Mixing up people
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Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
XK8 Battery drain
Thanks for the welcome guys, we just want to keep this car in great nick, and keep the maintenance up to date.
5.2 AMP drain
I have a battery drain that I cant find, I have pulled all the fuses (apart from the plastic cap protected ones, which are next job). Pulled the window wiper plugs out. My new battery lasts three/four days before its flat again...
I have tried to read the threads, but still cant find where the drain is coming from.
Rgds Mike
5.2 AMP drain
I have a battery drain that I cant find, I have pulled all the fuses (apart from the plastic cap protected ones, which are next job). Pulled the window wiper plugs out. My new battery lasts three/four days before its flat again...
I have tried to read the threads, but still cant find where the drain is coming from.
Rgds Mike
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