What is the fastest way to check whether the upper timing chain tensioners have been replaced? Could I just drill a hole in each valve cover and look for orange plastic? The car is 20 years old. 50% chance that they already have been replaced.

 

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO drilling a hole is probably the dumbest thing one can do. Open the valve cover and check. I'd rather do that than the guessing game that "They have been done". Or procrastinating till one day your engine fails.

 

How long will it take me to get the valve covers off and back on?

 

Drilling holes in these cars is never a good idea.

You only need to remove one side in order to check whether or not the tensioner is plastic or metal. I'm quite sure that the other side will be identical. Shouldn't take more than 30-60 minutes if you know which end of the wrench to hold.

Once removed, I would replace the valve cover gasket with a new one instead of trusting the old gasket not to leak.

 

The easiest side to remove is the right hand cam cover (i.e. the one without the dipstick).

As an alternative, I have wondered if you get could an inspection camera in through the oil filler and have a look that way? If not though, its not the end of the world to take a cam cover off and you can do the spark plugs while you are at it.

 

If you don't have proof they have been changed I would assume they had not been changed.

I've never heard of anyone being successful with a short cut and dibbit is right the side without the dip stick is the easier one.

 

+1

Replace the plug seals (NCA2578BB) as well as the cam cover gasket. You'll also need some high-temp RTV, and a 1/4" drive socket set will make getting to the lower bolts easier.

 

I can confirm that you can't do that!

 

Off with the cam cover then. At least it's a good excuse to buy some more tools.

 

Tools? Did anyone say tools? :-)

 

Remove both cam covers and replace the gaskets for peace of mind. My xk right cover gasket became brittle, cracked, and leaked oil which dripped on the exhaust manifold and caught fire. Scary if this happens in your garage.

 

I brought her to the shop this morning. Let's hope they send me pictures of silver timing chain tensioners. No orange!