Hi,
I have a 1999 XK8 that I need to replace the chain tensioners. I have watched several Youtube videos and have searched here to learn as much as I can before I begin. I am struggling to put together a detailed list of the parts needed including part numbers. I don't plan on buying the kit as I have no way of knowing the quality and I am not planning on changing out the chains as the car only has 40K miles. A few questions:
1) Does a seal kit containing the cam cover, VVT seals, lower seal, upper seal and crankshaft seals exist or do I need to buy each one individually? If individually, part numbers would be helpful.
2) I know that there are two different secondary tensioners but what about the primary tensioners? Are the two needed identical?
3) I keep hearing about the need for "shorter" bolts? Please elaborate.

Thanks for your help!

 

Call SNG Barratt .

https://www.sngbarratt.com/

They can answer these questions fully, and do sell genuine Jaguar parts, if the Jaguar parts are no longer available they will have the aftermarket CD version.

you can save considerable $$ by purchasing on ebay the aftermarket parts . These parts are uniformly of poor quality . And often you will be doing the job over again due to leaks, or worse. Better to pay more and only cry once from the cost than cry twice when lousy parts bite you in the a*s.

Z

PS If you place an order on the phone and identify yourself as a forum member they will give you a discount. I think it’s 10%

 

A 1999 engine can have an early or later cam cover.
My 1999 XJ8L has the early cam covers with the orange and grey 'thicker' cover gaskets so it is important to know what the type or the engine number.
The engines up to 981029000 have the thicker gaskets and the later engines use the thinner black gaskets.

The spark plug boss seals are also different.