just traded for a 1998 xk8 with 39,000 miles. I have spoken to the two previous owners and they report no mechanical problems. Everything works, and it looks terrific. Here is my question: I have read with great interest the normal problems with this car, namely the chain tensioners. I called a local service center (not a dealer) and they quoted me $2500-$2800 to do the change out. Normally I would drive a car and not have service done until I hear/feel a problem. However, I see much advice to do it before any problem begins. Your thoughts please. Thank you.

 

You should have the tensioners done, but you only need to have the SECONDARY tensioners replaced, along with four new bolts and new valve cover gaskets. These are the ones that can cause a catastrophic engine failure.

You need to be specific with the shop about this. It should cost in the neighborhood of $1000 at an independent. Your shop was quoting for all the tensioners, which is a MUCH bigger job, or was way overcharging.

 

Read the FAQ at the top of the page. It covers just about anything you can think of and a good place to get familiar with the car. There are DIY instructions from at least a couple different people on doing them yourself.

Welcome to the forum!

 

You should seriously revise this approach with a Jaguar. Regular servicing and preventative maintenance is the path to trouble free ownership.

Attention to the three areas of weakness with the XK8 (tensioners, trans fluid and cooling) is not cheap but ignoring any of them until something goes wrong will always result in huge bill$.

Graham

 

so do I order just the secondary tensioners from Christophers for about 300 or do I need the 700 dollar full kit?

 

Many people just do the secondary's, if you haven't had a problem there is likely no need to change the chain. YMMV.
I assume the previous owners confirmed that they haven't had this work done?

 

I spoke with them, and neither knew of the problem. they had no mechanical issues at all. I dont mind spending whatever I need to, however my closest Jag dealer is two hours away and I am having to do some research to find an indi to do it. I really trust this forum to know more than most!

 

Secondary tensioners for sure.
Mains? from what I've read are not an issue.

I did my own recently and yes, I would definately make sure they are the latest generation. I had second generation and the driver was cracked, passenger was cracked and the tension pad was gone. Ended up having to drop the oil pan to find all the pieces of plastic in the oil pick-up pipe.

A visual inspection is not good enough. You have to remove them to see if they are cracked. At that point you might as well just switch them.

Parts are fairly inexpensive about $80.00 each for the tensioners and $30.00 each for the valve cover gaskets. You also need the 4 new shorter bolts. Before you order, you may want to make sure the shop will install the parts if you bring them in. I know there are a few by me that won't. You may want to see if they have some prior experience with jaguars.

Good Luck and Congrats on the new/old car. 39K, nice.