Hello,
I found this fourum by accident and I have found it very informative (especially regarding my 97 XK8 starting problems), I am also in the process of renovating a 89 XJS, I should have it in paint within the next month, so as soon as the good weather finally comes back, I can put the "bling" back on along with a newer interior, etc, etc, etc.
With regards to my XK8 it runs very good and quite. I am not really sure why it doesn't start, but it is always when its cold. I have done a compression test and got 155 to 165 on every cylinder on a cold day, about 45 outside temp, so I think my cylinders are OK. I think something is causing it to flood, but not sure what?If I remove the plugs and make sure they are dry before re-fitting it will start OK. I have read out squirting some oil down each pot before trying to start again, but I have not had to do this. So any suggestions on this problem will be welcome. I have also read about the timing chain tensioners, I have no rattle when the engine is coldlike I have seen descibed. I am still going to take off the valve covers to inspect the chain tensioners, does anybody have any suggestions on what I should be looking for? Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

Hey Faldo, welcome to the site.......nice intro and nice XK too
I'm gonna copy this into the XK section where you might hopefully get a little more help.

All the best

Jim

 

Welcome!!!

 

By all means, welcome to the forum.

As far as the question you asked . . . the 3rd generation tensioners are aluminum and have 'wrap around' sides to the slippers. Ifthe tensionersare red plastic they should be replaced. Fair chance that they have been replaced at least once on a '97. My 2000MY had the original first gen changed to 2nd gen and then to 3rd generation.

The dealer can pull a warranty repair report but on a '97 the warranty would have expired before the 3rd generation tensioners were available. Beyond that you will have to rely on owner records.

Enjoy the car!