Hello again!

As a newbee on this forum, I am fast becoming an expert on my new cat with the incredable amounts of info available.

Question...The engine in my 1997 XK8 'vert was replaced due to the Nikosil issues in 2007. The service records don't specify that the tensioners were replaced but I was told by the shop that did the work (Abacus in Va Beach) that the new engine had all the "bells and whistles" of a 2007 engine.
There are no noises and the valve cover gaskets don't leak and I would hate to remove them and change all the seals and gaskets just to have a look.

Wouldn't you think that this 2007 engine whould have metal tensioners in there?

 

The engine may have been replaced in 2007 but not with a 2007 MY engine. Your 1997 car had an AJ26 engine which Jaguar updated in 1999 with the AJ27 version. Then in 2003 the engine was more significantly changed and there is almost zero probability that an '03 or later engine to '06 was used. The engines were updated again in 2007 and I am not aware of anyone making that jump. There are a number of differences between the AJ26 and AJ27 that make a direct swap very difficult unless only the short block was replaced. You very well may have a new or factory rebuilt engine but it is most likely the early AJ26 version and it may, or may not have plastic tensioners in it.

If, indeed, your engine turns out to be an '07 there are going to be a lot of people wanting to know how that was done as the '97- '02 engines are getting a little long in the tooth.

 

I don't think a 2007 engine would be capable of a direct swap. So your job is to make sure what you have.

Was it changed out by Jaguar under warranty? (Maybe not in a then 10-year old car). Or was it done by an independent due to failure and is a replacement engine from a donor vehicle.

Check the engine number on the motor. That will at least tell you when it was manufactured and the likelihood of it having the 3rd gen tensioners. Best way remains to pull the covers and look.

Note: just saw test point's reply. +1

 

I'll check the engine number and post back. Where can I find the number?

 

Depends on which engine you have.

Start here. https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ocation-70577/

 

Realistically it's going to be an original type engine so probably has plastic tensioners. Sorry!