I was told I need a torque wrench for tensioners. Are there any specifics? I don't want to buy the wrong one.

 

You will need a torque wrench that handles small values. You need the target values to be inside the bottom and top twenty percent of the rated values of the wrench because they are not accurate at the extreme ends of the range. They can be had in 1/4 inch or 3/8 inch drive. If it is longer than a foot, it is the wrong wrench.

Here are the values that I compiled and used for the job, note that the imperial versions are inch-pounds for some of the values, not foot pounds. They reason they are not a range like the metric is that I picked my target value in metric and converted it to a rounded imperial value. I only used a torque wrench for the tensioners and camshaft bearing caps. The rest was by feel.

 

Do I have to change the spark plugs?

 

No, but you should get a gasket kit with fresh rubber spark plug seals for the valve cover since the spark plug wells is a common leak area.

 

Well crap, I have to buy another gasket set...

 

If you already have the valve cover gaskets, you can just get the spark plug seals. For your 2000 the Jaguar part number is NCA2578BB and JPAM Parts price is $3.90 each. You need eight. They also come in the Felpro Lincoln LS gasket set.

 

At $3.90 each, that's about $31.

 

Did you do the complete set recently? They don't have to be replaced every time.

I just washed them in warm water and dish soap. lubed them with a bit of engine oil, put them back in.

 

No, I haven't done any gaskets since I've had the car (about 10k miles ago) and I doubt the previous owner changed them. Since I'm doing the tensioners, I know I have to do the valve cover gaskets, which I already bought. I haven't bought the spark plug gaskets and I've recently learned that pep boys has a 'gratis' rent of the torque wrench.

 

I believe every DIY'er should have one in their arsenal.

Here is a forum sponsor that is pushing some nice digital torque wrenches:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/v...special-74346/

 

I just can't afford one at the moment, specially not a digital one. If I could get one for less than $25 I would.

 

Ok, I got the spark plug seals at about $2.55 each, that's $20.40. They arrive on Monday. So I guess I'll buy the zip ties and the torque wrench on Monday and work on the tensioners on Wednesday. Is lubing them with some motor oil necessary?

 

No need for atorque wrench. Just hand tight is OK

 

Lubing what?

 

You're saying I don't need a torque wrench for the tensioners job?


Spark plug seals.

 

For the tensioners and the camshaft caps you definitely need a torque wrench unless you are very experienced with how the fasteners behave. It would be very foolish for a beginner to attempt the job without a torque wrench. The remaining fasteners are not as critical as long as you go easy.

Lubing the gaskets and seals is an old trick to achieving better sealing. It allows the material to creep against the adjoining surface during tightening. You don't need to do it, and the manual does not call for it. But, it works better. Just wipe some oil from the dipstick on your finger and rub down the surface.

 

Ok then
I'm getting the torque wrench. Now, as I read, you are saying that it is possible to do the job without them. Now I'm wondering, what is so special about these fasteners that they require a torque wrench?

 

According to SAE(Society of Automotive Engineers), all fasteners; nuts bolts, studs, etc. have a recommended torque based on their construction, material and size.

 

It's not the fasteners.

It's the inability of most people to judge what is too loose, too tight or just right. The first two can usually be achieved by most people. The last one takes years of experience and heartbreak.

According to one member, there is actually a technical certification for judging torque without external aid and he holds such a certification.

The difficulty in this application is that steel fasteners are being inserted into aluminum threads. The feel is quite different when judging by hand. And the margin for error is much less than steel on steel.

If you strip out a thread, the cost of repair will make the cost of a torque wrench seem like bubble gum. Just take a look at the moaning and groaning from ham fisted experts coming on to JF after they decided to bull ahead on some job.

 

+1

A torque wrench is one of those tools you will use for years, and for just about every job on a car. Were you planning to toque the spark plugs? Those have a spec, as do suspension bolts, brake caliper bolts and even the oil pan drain plug.

Anything that is expected to give long term, reliable performance or safety will have a torque requirement published in the service manual.

Money well spent, IMHO.