I just got bad news from the previous owner of my 'new' 1997 Jaguar XK8 with original 52,500 miles. The timing chain tensioners are all original. So the only roadtrip I am going on is the repair shop and the bank.

Quick question: Keep the chains or replace the chains? Are aftermarket chains the same quality as Jaguar ones?

Thanks!

Andy

 

Welcome to the world of XK8 owners. They are beautiful cars.

Many of us just replaced the secondary tensioners with the zip tie method. The jags are fairly easy to work on by the average mechanic, but if you are going to take it to a shop for many of the age related repairs and updates your bank account will be busy.

A partial list of things to address: thermostat and housing, crossover pipe, cooling system hoses, rubber suspension components, transmission main control valve/ transmission filter and fluid change, cooling system flush, brake fluid flush, power steering fluid change, ABS module pump pin solder. And since it's a 97 be prepared for a ECU rebuild.

But the hydraulic lines for the top are superior to later models, although the latch and cylinders could still leak.

 

With 52K the chains are likely fine. unless the nylon slipper had already detached from the tensioner(s).

 

I just did the secondary tensioners today on my 2000 XKR with 55,000 miles. They were not bad at all - no cracks that I could see and the surfaces were hardly worn. Still glad I did though. It's one of those nagging things that you think about when driving the car - until it's done. I used the zip tie method.

Kevin

 

Looks like my mechanic will love me. :-)

 

Changed my secondary Tensioners by the zip tie method. 1996 model so one of the very early RHD coupes. They were in perfect condition but car had only done 37000KM.
Had also done this job on my previous 1997 Xj8 with 150000 KM. Motor still quiet on startup but plastic piece missing off tensioner and metal on metal contact with timing chain. Would be best to lift cam covers and check them. I would be happy just to do the secondary tensioners. very much a DIY job if you are reasonably handy.