Hi, having had a 1997 XK8 which I replaced the secondary tensioners on, am now wondering if there are any indications that the timing chains, tensioners etc in my present 2003 4.2 are going to be more reliable?

I have 135k on the car, are the update cars with new chain etc lasting longer, should I be thinking of replacement?

 

2003 the issues were fixed. Even at that miles I would not mess with it.

 

Forum member taxman reported a metal tensioner failure on 11/11, so it would appear that it can happen, but not a common occurrence.

 

Thanks Guys that gives a degree of reassurance, but like all Jag owners we are only a new "noise" from the next problem.

Although I love lifting the bonnet on my cars, even if only to see that magnificent engine.

 

Hey Joe!

Any Automobile Engine is going to wear....How fast is according to the care given and the operation of the Auto...I would think that a good time to check things such as Tensioners, Timing-Chains, Belts, Water Pumps and other items like that would be around 100,000 Miles or sooner. That should be a good life for these items! The Timing Chains and Tensioners should be replaced by that time also. Therefore, at 135,000 you are stretching it a bit! If you would just think for a minute, what would happen if one of the Tensioners were to give way Today? We're talking Valves, Pistons and all the related Rods and possibly even a cracked Head.....I got caught by one of the Plastic Tensioners back in 1999 and had to replace 3 Valves and 1 Piston. Thank you Jaguar for your help with that! You need to replace all of those items and you should feel more secure about your next 50,000 to 75,000 miles. This, of course, will save you money in the long run! Now that Jaguar won't be there to help.....
I feel that the basic Engine is good for about 200,000 miles but the Chains and things are a stretching it at 100,000............

Back in the 90's when Jaguar designed this basic Engine, BMW was also designing their V8. They choose to use a double Timing Chain rather than the Jag single Chain. I've been told theirs has been more successful over all....could be but who knows in the end? All it takes is one broken link and good bye to everything!

Billy Clyde in Houston

 

I have been here since 2008, I can count on two fingers how many times I have have seen a thread on the 4.2 having this TC issues.

 

brgjag,

Hopefully, you apparently didn't have to go through the early 4.0 Liter days and didn't have your Engine destroyed by one of those little Plastic Tensioners! I'm one of the unfortunate ones that did. At the time, I had no idea that it was one of Jaguar's problems and was fortunate that I found out that Jaguar would help me with the problem....It makes you sick when you start-up your Engine and it trashes itself before you can turn the key off.....You never forget it! I still don't trust those little metal ones either, so I have a problem that you don't...
I advise everyone today to change out their Tensioners and Chains and Guides every 100,000 miles......and sooner if you have to go in there for some reason....The Engine is solid for at least 200,000 or so miles but the chain system is the weak link and needs to be watched over...

Billy Clyde in Houston

 

Thanks Billy, the 1997 I had got its tensioners 2008 just after I bought it. I did it as a precautionary measure but as soon as I saw the old plastic ones with cracks new it was just in time.

I thought the new chain was a different stronger style on 4.2?
I have had a few Mercs with well over 200k on original chains and tensioners, was hoping from similar from the newer 4.2?

 

From "The 2003-2006MY Jaguar XK8 (Project X-103) Rev G dated 03/06/17 by Gary R. VanRemortel "

I was also considering looking at the chains and tesnsioners for mu 2004 but was reassured by this and other forum members.

 

Thanks Barry just a bit more confidence for my engineers brain that sees problems round very corner.

I need to check what a Morse HY VO chain is now!

 

Joesoap: Where are you in Essex ? One my mates lives in Ingatestone near Chelmsford

 

Barry, I work in Chelmsford College and live in Chadwell St Mary nr Grays.

 

Drive past Ingatestone on my commute up the A12.

 

Cool. Was there this summer and ill probably be there again next spring

 

Great let me know when you are here maybe meet up?

 

Indeed I'll post here or send you a PM ( assuming my memory does not fail me ) The Bell in Ingatestone is a nice pub

 

Yeah you and me both semi-retirement messes with your memory, not been at that Bell before but Essex is full of them.

Pm nearer time would be great.

Joe

 

So, just to be clear, this is not a "Jaguar issue" then. It is potentially an industry-wide issue (a bit like the nikasil cylinder liner issue of the '90's).
Any comment on the Jaguar-Specified Castrol Edge Professional oils in this matter?

 

I don't think they are specified for the 4.2, though Castrol do make oil(s) meeting the Jaguar spec for the 4.2.

I understand Jaguar and Castrol have some sort of tie-up so that is likely to bias things towards Castrol...

 

Jaguar and Castrol appear to have a symbiotic relationship dating back to the 1950s and perhaps even earlier. Doesn't bother me - I have run Castrol 5W-30 in my wife's 2006 XK8 since we acquired it in February 2012. No complaints....