Going to remove valve cover in hopes of finding generation 3 metal tensioners on my 00 Xk8 w/ 60k so I dont have to have the work done.
my questions are...
1) is the passenger side valve cover easier due to not needing to fuss with the oil dipstick?

2) I figured that I might as well replace the valve cover gasket and spark plug seals while I am in there so I was wondering if there any other gaskets/seals that I should be replacing while I am in there?

3) If one was lazy and just decided to inspect passenger side to get a quick peak in there at tensioners what amount of gaskets/seals would I need and which type for just the right side(passenger cover), sorry I am a novice DIY wannabe mechanic)

Thank you everyone! Love this forum I cant help but post more threads

 

1) Yes, a little bit.
2) No, except maybe VVT seal which I think comes with the set.
3) Probably none if you get lucky and don't damage the old ones removing the cover (unless they already leak).

 

I'd make sure you check both sides - there have been instances where only one tensioner has been changed - it's just not worth the risk.The gasket sets are not expensive if you use the Ford/Lincoln or Felpro sets.

 

And I should have added that if you get to that point and discover that they are the old tensioners, the rest of the job should be within your capacity. Plenty of good descriptions here on the forum. I used the timing tools and had no problems as an amateur; as you said, things just take 3X longer. No harder than the T-stat and hose replacement you just did.

 

Thanks a lot guys. I was under the impression the tensioner job would be above my expertise level. If its no harder then a t-stat and housing then I will definitely have a go at it.
Really appreciate the help and encouragement.
ALOHA

 

If you remove the 8mm nut holding the dipstick tube in place, you can lift the tube out of the way. It just "plugs into" the engine. It takes a bit of grunting, but it will come loose! Worst case scenario, just remove the nut, bend up the tab retaining the tube, and gently pry the tube away from the cover. When putting it back after your repairs, you can push the tube into place, bend the tab back down over the stud, and re-install the nut.

 

While moving my dipstick, it just pulled up free from the block. After a few choice words I realized that it just pushes back in again.

 

The Dipstick is a "push fit" but can take quite a pull to remove it. A slight twist helps.



There's a collar on the dipstick tube to ensure it's pushed the right distance in to the Oil Sump Body and an O Ring (item 12 in the drawing) to seal it.

Graham

 

My Dipstick Tube wound NOT come loose. I used a Side Cutters to make a slot in the bracket so I could slide it sideways off the stud.

 

thanks everyone! I will be pulling the VCs within the next 2 weeks. Going to throw in new vc gaskets and spark plug o-rings while im in there but my question is whether or not the 14 little grommets or rings that the screws go into... should they be replaced as well?
do these come with the vc gasket set from felpro? if anyone has bought that set before

 

The gaskets have the sections for the bolts moulded into them:



Separate gormmets for each bolt would be a nightmare to fit!

Graham

 

Yes, the 28 o-rings/ grommets do come with the fel-pro set VS 50724 R. This is in addition to the molded grommet of the valve cover gasket. They are placed on the cap screws before putting them in the covers.

 

With your '00 and its AJ27 engine your valve cover gaskets will be cheap compared to those of us with the AJ26 ('97-'99). Look up the part numbers for the '00-'02 Lincoln LS with the 3.9 liter V-8; same engine, way cheaper parts (if you ask for Lincoln parts). Us AJ26 folks have to go through Jaguar.

Translation- new gaskets = cheap insurance against future oil leaks.

Mike

 

I assume that the Lincoln LS V8 never got the 4.2 engine before it disappeared (after the 2006 model year I think). So I also assume that there is no equivalent Lincoln LS gasket set that will fit our 4.2 XK8s. Right or wrong?

 

Right