Hi All. My 99 XK8 has 50,000 miles. Runs like a clock. Have had the car for 5 months now. Only driven the last 3 here and there. Have changed the oil. Old oil looked clean. New oil is Mobil One Synthetic. I would like to replace the chain guides however I'd like to wait till the winter when the car will be semi retired for the season. I have an acute ear for noise. Engine, drive line etc. Start the engine cold. I've listen under the hood, all sounds are normal to a multi cam engine. Has anyone experienced the chain or guide failure. Any type a warning sounds you have noticed? As I said, I'd rather not lay the car up at the start of summer. Thanks Rich

 

Do you know the history of the car, maybe they have been done already, check with a Jaguar dealer they can tell you if it was ever done at a dealer. I see your from Long Island, what part? I'm out on the eastend, in Hampton Bays.

 

The primary chains will give a death rattle that will warn you trouble is soon to come. However, these are not prone to failure and you should be OK at 50,000 miles.

The secondary tensioners are a completely different issue. The first generation tensioners were plastic and are a common fail point. To make it worse, they are usually silent until it is too late. They tend to go all at once, with a result of engine destruction. Unless they have been replaced, your car will have the 1st gen guides.

The secondary tensioners should be checked as soon as you are able. It is relatively easy to pull one cam cover and look. If you see a red plastic guide body, schedule the replacement ASAP. Search the threads and you will find tons of horror stories about the 1st gen guides falling apart when removed or worse, exploding and turning that beautiful V8 into a boat anchor.

 

Hi Diesel, no, not able to speak to prior owner. On my own. I am from Manorville.

 

You should call Jaguar of Southampton, service department they can help you with some of the history, anything to do with warranty anyway. Ask for Justin he help me out quite a bit when I just got my car. The phone # is 631 287-5151 and they are open on Saturdays, closed Sunday and Monday. Maybe I'll see you on the road.