It appears that the timing chain tensioner on my '98 XK8 needs to be replaced. I'm a single female. What is a reasonable cost to have this done?

 

Well the kit for the uppers is about $200 (eBay) and if the mechanic uses the zip tie method you can do the job in 4hrs. I did mine myself and provided a full write up (2001 XKR)

So find a good independent in your area and point them to the link on this forum that details the job.

Simon

 

How was it diagnosed?

 

Jinga,
You are correct, if your jag still has the original, secondary tensioners they need changed.
Simon has the prices correct but if you are not familiar with the parts that need to be purchased I would get them from SNG Barratt - The Ultimate Jaguar Parts Specialist
have your vin# handy. For the secondary tensioners you only need
LH and RH side tensioners
4 bolts, the new ones are shorter
LH and RH cam cover gasket sets.

you might want to post to the Lower Atlantic section to find a good Independent Jaguar Shop.

 

In what part of Atlanta are you located?

 

Not firmly diagnosed; just suspected due to a surging rough idle. I know the original timing chain tensioners are still on it, so expect it to be needed eventually. Actually, this afternoon, they left a message & said the compression check was good and they think it's something else. (Euro Ultimate Atlanta has it.) Comments? Opinions?

 

I'm in West Cobb, but have been taking the car to Euro Ultimate Atlanta on Canton Rd in Marietta.

 

I will check with some of the members of the Jaguar club to see if they have any recommendations.

 

Try your local Ford Dealer
Bought mine for $284.00 last year.

 

If the thermostat tower has not been replaced with a metal one, it would be wise to do that at the same time, including a new thermostat. Do you have the service records for the car?

 

If you plan to keep the car many more years I would have them do complete timing chains, tensioners, guides etc. I just did mine at 90k and there was noticeable slack in the chains.

 

That's on my list, but not right now. For those that do not do there own replace/repair it's a lot of money. I have no problem doing the work, but still have to prioritize the spending for parts. Since the primaries are not as likely to cause major engine damage, I am holding off.

 

Looking at the SNG site for Timing parts.... Can anyone tell me the diff btwn the $91 timing chain (EAZ1269) and the $46 "Alternative" Chain they offer (EAZ1269u) other than the price?

Any Recommendations for parts/tools would be most appreciated !
I intend on changing my timing chains, tensioners, guides, etc on my 2001 XK8 as I am sure that the original tensioners and other parts are still in place. I am currently at about 120k miles and feel like, with all that I have read here on the forum, that it is definitely time to get this done and head off any pending disasters ....

I have read extensively the various post available here for how to's etc and feel confident about taking on this project, along with several other projects, thanks to the invaluable information posted here by its many knowledgeable members ...THANKS !

 

My 2000 XK8 has 59,000 miles and I got a quote to do primary and secondary chain tensioners and the water pump for just under $ 2,000. I'm in the same position as RJ237; no noises or overheating yet, and the repair cost is a factor. If the incidence of primary chain tensioner failure is fairly low, would it make sense to change only the secondary tensioners and wait until the water pump becomes an issue and do the primary then? Same question about replacing the chains themselves.

I understand that there are no definitive answers, but informed opinions and experience (painful or otherwise) would be greatly appreciated.

Max

 

Is it a diff price for a single female? ha ha - just found it funny that you included that info in your question

 

Many people just change the secondarys if there are no signs of trouble and it's just a preventative move as these are the ones that are prone to fail with catastrophic results.


I wouldn't be surprised if that was the case some places.

 

Just change the tensioners on my '99 xk8. It has 86,000 miles on it and made no bad engine noises. I used the zip tie method. I'm slow, so it took me all day. Both old tensioners were cracked all the way up to the fat part. A real dodged bullet.

I recently had all the hoses replaced and the water pump, partly because I had a unfindable coolant leak, and I did not know the age of any of the hoses. The leak is gone and the engine is still quiet.

I did the tensioners myself. I couldn't get my mechanic to touch them. I had my mechanic do all of the coolant lines. That way, I don't have busted fingers, cut wrists and arms, and I haven't used up my allotment of swear words.

 

Don't jump to conclusions so fast. What's the mileage on your '98XK8?

 

EAZ1269U is an IWIS duplex chain with split/chamfered rollers
EAZ1269 plain number is the Genuine Jaguar item.


Hope this helps!