How can I tell if my tensioners have been replaced.
I now have 86001 miles on my 2001 XK8.
Is there any tell tale signs ?

Thanks in advance for your help

 

Your car originally came with the plastic tensioners and without clear documentation of replacement with the metal version your only choice is to remove a valve cover for a physical inspection. I said 'a valve cover' but there have been reports of repairs consisting of replacement of only one tensioner so the safe decision is to inspect both sides.

 

Pull the $##!^&*** cam cover off and use your 'peepers'!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

bob gauff

 

Dear Bob,

Thanks for the advise, but what is a $##!^&*** cam cover ?

 

I think $##!^ is Texan for left and &*** is right.

 

Unfortunately it's not as easy as just "pull the $##!^&*** cam cover off". You have to have the right tools to do it, including a socket set with a universal joint, extensions and, on my XKR at least, a suitable deep socket to get the cam cover bolts with the thread extensions.

Once it is all off it has to go back together with new gaskets, a dab of sealant and you need a suitable torque wrench which goes down to 10nm. I had to buy quite a few tools " just" to do this job and I do lots of stuff to my cars and boat.

Best advice for a non-mechanic is take it to a Jaguar specialist or invest in the time and tools to do it yourself.

This is what the old style tensioner looks like:



Taken from my 2001 45k miles XKR.

 

He'll figure it out on his own by using the same language when he does the job himself.

 

Yes, when the plastic snap connectors do in fact snap off.