Good Morning,

Attached is two estimates I got from the local jag repair shop. Can you folks tell me if the $1200 option is sufficient? The other option is $2k more and I won't be able to do it for some time.

Additionally, I recently got all of my valve cover gaskets replaced to fix an oil leak (oil still leaking from one cover, unfortunately), that set can be reused, correct?

Thanks

 

Skippy,

You should add your car details to your signature so we know what you have... having looked at your profile I see that you have a 2001 Jaguar XKR Convertible.

Yes, the $1,200 option is sufficient to take care of the "tensioner issue", as that normally refers to replacing the secondary tensioners because if they go there is no warning and you could have catastrophic problems (i.e. valves hitting pistons).

I can't speak to the fairness of the price since I replaced mine myself... the actual tensioner prices seem high as I bought both of mine from SNG Barrat and they were like $150 for both shipped to my door...

And yes... if you recently had the valve cover gaskets replaced and they are careful with there removal then you SHOULD be able to re-use them...

 

The first estimate does not include timing chain replacement. Why do you need this job done? If it is for timing chain replacement, that's not included in your first estimate.

 

The first estimate is for the service most of us opt for; replacement of the upper tensioners but left off the new bolts required for the conversion from plastic to metal.

Upper tensioners are available on the internet for less than $70 as parts for an '02 Lincoln LS 3.9L. Gasket set is less than $40 from Advance with discount code TRT30 or from Rock Auto.

Labor at an indy shop should be in the $400 range for 4 hours. That's how long it took me to change mine and auto repair is a hobby to me and I had never done this task before.

My valve covers have been off 3 times and still use the ones I found there. They do not stick to the head or tear when being removed. I agree if I were a pro shop I would insist on a new gasket set but not at $140.

The second estimate is for the Full Monty . . . both the primary and secondary tensioners, guides, gaskets and chains. That is in the range of an expected price at a Jaguar dealer. The primary tensioners have not proved to be as much of a problem as the secondary. I would only invest in this work if the car had over 100k miles and I had plans on keeping it a long time. Again, an indy shop using Lincoln LS parts should do this work for about half the quoted amount.

 

Add another $89.00 to second estimate for another primary tensioner (AJ8 2325) - only one on list !

 

The oil still leaking after a gasket replacement could be a cracked cover since they are plastic and mechanics have a way of 'over' tightening them, not to torque spec, is it leaking near the rear corner (closest to window) this is ue usual place where things get to tight. There are a number of threads on this issue.

 

So I'm not the only one who was wondering about that!