As a precaution I’ve just had my 98 XK8 with 83k on the clock checked to see if the tensioners have been updated and they haven’t, this was done by my local garage who have looked after my cars for years, the secondary (upper) timing chain tensioners, chains look in good condition and the car has been running great with no noises, knocking etc, lm going to have these upgraded to the new metal tensioners as a safe-guard. I have spoken to my local Jag dealership for a second option and they have advised me (at huge cost) to have the secondary (upper) timing chain tensioners, lower tensioners and chain guides replaced! Does anybody think this is necessary or can someone advise who is or has been in the same situation?
Thanks

 

The conventional wisdom has been that changing the upper, secondary timing chain tensioners to the later metal-bodied type is all most cars need.

Of course, in a perfect world, changing the lower tensioners, the primary and secondary chains themselves, and the primary chain guides would be a positive, and enhance the long-term health of your engine. But very few of us do the full job, and we're all running fine.

So unless you have a specific, identified problem with the lower primary chains, lower tensioners or primary guides, you don't have to worry about them.

The upper, secondary tensioners must be updated asap, however.

 

+1, if you are at 83K on the original tensioners, you are likely on borrowed time, get them done asap.

 

While we get failed secondary tensioners post weekly I can only remember a couple of primary tensioner failures and they, if my memory serves, were more about the slippers than the tensioners. And the failure was much 'softer' than the secondary tensioners.

Change the secondary tensioners and enjoy the car!

 

Anyone have a breakdown of the costs labor and parts?

 

I was quoted $3200 to change all chains,guides and tensioners

 

$200 in parts for the secondary tensioners, bolts and gaskets plus 4 hours labor or a total of $200 if you DIY.

 

Hi,

I have a 2006 model S supercharged 4,2 ltr. Does that engine also suffer from poor chain cam tensioners like the 4,0 or is that a story of the past. Thanks!

 

The 4.2 engines do not suffer from the plastic tensioner issue....

 

Hi,

thank you for a quick reply.

 

I changed it all on my 2000 this summer, with 99k miles on them. The second generation secondary tensioner was cracked, but very little. The primary guides had one crack each at the middle but no bits had fallen off. With the age and miles I thought it was best to change it all. With new chains, tensioners and guides I sleep better at night and give it WOT with a smile