Also here are some pics of the cracked and broken secondary tensioners

 

My 99 XK8 has only 18,500 real miles. I was hoping to possibly get by with just upper tensioners, but I'm not so sure now.

 

When you do the uppers just take a look at the shoes, you will be able to tell, i don't think you will need primary s with 18,000, my XK has 130,000 miles on it, and i was just going to do uppers.. I am just very glad i took the advise of another member not to drive the car, i would have launched the engine for sure!

 

I think that most people do the secondary tensioners only.
The primaries are more durable.

 

With such low miles, you are probably OK with just doing the secondaries.

The exception would be if the vehicle has ever had an overheating event, then I would replace it all.

 

Are there any step by step diagrams or photos to cover the replacement of the upper tensioners only on the 4.0 engine?

 

All kinds of resources here to help you.

A good starting point might be to review the whole thread starting at ...
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...59&postcount=1

As with so many other topics, a visit to the FAQs (found within the "sticky" threads that always appear at the top of the thread list) is a good way to move quickly up the learning curve. Saved my butt more than once.

Good luck ...

 

Really great not to have to invent the wheel all over again.
My hat is off to all those who care and help. Thanks a million!

 

Good catch chrisant, glad you aren't the procrastinator type..."I'll do the tensioners in the spring, when the weather (and garage) is more comfortable". A+ for you, you're car appreciates it.

 

Thanks, Matt, and Yea its Cold here in my garage here as well, wait if you can..Here are some pictures of what the Primary tensioners look like after 130,000 Mi. Not good as you can see the right bank shoe got chewed up by the right primary chain, all the shoes and primary s tensioners are cracked, just like the secondary s crack just cant believe it still didn't jump time, I was very lucky, The job sucked because someone broke a bolt in the harmonic balance pulley, i had to drill and tap it blind, cant see it! can only feel it! Without that as you know there is no getting the timing cover off! Glad its done! Highly recommend getting a look at those primary shoes if you are up over 100,000 Mi. Thanks.. Chris

 

Great photo's!

Looks like you saved yourself an engine there.