Hi all
I have an XK8 with an engine build date of March 2001. I have read a number of comments on this web site about the weaknesses of the early timing chain tensioner set and I've also seen a few replacement sets advertised on Ebay UK.
There appears to be a number of "upgrades" available for my engine and the price varies accordingly.
Can I get some advice please on what timing chain set up I should choose?? - My car has travelled 120,00km and I believe it still has the original set up.
If I do the timing chains and tensioners should the water pump, thermostat housing be upgraded at the same time?
My car runs fine but is a little noisy (superficial rattles similar to timing chain noise) on cold start up however runs quietly once warm.
I'm sure a number of you have been down this road so advice please????

jd

 

Hi,
Rattles from the XK engine should be diagnosed ASAP. If there is some broken/bad tensioners, engine breakdown could likely appear soon. I would not have used it until the cause has been sorted out. If replaced, use the latest revision tensioners.
It's also a good idea to replace water pump and term.housing while you are working on it. There are many fine threads here, where you can find good informations on how to do the tensioners.

Good luck :-)

 

Search for "tensioners" on the forum and you will find tons of threads on the subject. The summary version: it's the secondary tensioners that break on the pre-2002 engines, not the chains. The chains themselves are bulletproof.

Change the secondary tensioners, thermostat, water pump and check all the hoses (12 years old now). That will prevent 85% of the common failures and you will have a very reliable car.

Might as well check the expansion tank while you're at it. It is another common failure item.

 

Thanks for your assistance. A follow on question - is it ok to just change the upper tensioners or should the whole system be changed a9vhains, guides, and lower tensioners??
thanks
jd

 

sorry finger problems !!! that should read "chains, guides, and lower tensioners"