Hi folks

I have oil in the plug well on #8 and alsosome weeping of oil from the valve cover gasket on bank 2 into the vee.

Q: Is it worth trying to fix with some rtv/silicone on the gasket and on top of the plug oring gaskets or am I wasting my time?

Q: If Im replacing the valve cover gasket, is there anything else I sould be doing whilst cover off? Leaving aside the timing chain tensioner replacement for a moment as that a whole other discussion.


Thanks,
Mike
xk8 4.0 year 2000 (88k on clock)

 

With the low cost of Ford/Lincoln gaskets, under $40, repair with RTV is really not worth much discussion. I see that you are in the UK and that $40 may not be as easily available but the opinion still stands.

As far as the tensioner question, I would suggest that getting the covers off is the larger half of the work. In the US tensioners and bolts are under $130.

 

Its so much cheaper in the usa for parts, the secondary tensioners are £200 and then the valve cover gaskets are about £65

 

Yes, it is a waste of time to try a repair. While you have the covers off check the part load breather valve (?) to make sure it is clean and replace all the rubber parts for the breather on both sides.
Getting the bolts out is a PITA but worth it. Caution on the bolt that holds the oil dip stick, a nut on top hides the bolt below.
Good luck!
LaRue

 

JAGUAR XJ8/XK8/XKR/V8 S TYPE TOP TENSIONERS - Detailed item view - Jaguar Spares Northeast


Not always - the gasket set is cheaper because it fits the Lincoln LS available over here.I bought my tensioners in the UK on my last visit and brought them back with me.
Try these people - good service and prices

 

+1 on that... I bought my tensioners and bolts from SNG for under $140 shipped AND once the valve covers are off it might take 30 minutes a side to swap them out using the zip tie method (or at most an hour a side with some cold refreshments).

I would say to replace the tensioners while you are there if you have the funds... then you are DONE (for now).

 

Just sharing this link on how to change the valve cover gaskets:

jaghelp.com: How to change the valve cover gaskets on your Jaguar with a 4 liter engine

 

Thanks Daxter