Gents,
Where is the best place to buy a complete cam cover gasket set including plug seals for my '99 XK8 ?. The burning oil smell has reached the point where I need to change the lot.

 

I've had good success with Welsh out of Ohio.Good quality and good price. Probably 6 different times for tensioner replacement

 

try SNG Barratt (10% discount for forum members) http://http://www.sngbarratt.com/Cat...=11666&a=11652

XK's Unlimited has a kit but looks like it is made to order
01-1505 - Gasket Kit 4.0 V-8 Cam Covers, First Type

 

Your '99 XK8 should be the AJ27 engine and Rock Auto has the FelPro gasket set for the 2002 Lincoln LS 3.9 for $36. Both sides, all bolt and plug parts.

 

I just ordered the Lincoln LS gasket set from Rock Auto as noted by "test point" for my 1999 XK8. It was less than fifty dollars, including shipping. That's a lot less expensive than the two hundred dollar price I found from other suppliers. FelPro is a good brand so I doubt the quality is less than an OEM gasket set.
I'll report back through this thread if there are any problems with the set.
Quite a savings! Thanks test point.

 

preuss2 and test point ... if the Lincoln LS gaskets turn out to be a good fit and work well... plz put this excellent info. in the "non-OEM interchangable parts" sticky thread in this section of the forum

 

I used the Felpro set two years ago - no problems so far. Just a heads up - make sure you use the correct torque and sequence when reassembling.

 

Slightly off topic so bear with me please.
I have booked my 2001 XKR (72000 miles) in for a major service including check/replace secondary tensioners in July. For various reasons I can't get the work done before then. I bought the car a few years ago with 57000 on the clock and I have no idea if (a) it was fitted with the 3rd gen tensioners from factory (doubt it) or (b) has had them fitted at an earlier service. Reading and re-reading all the horror stories I want to check if I have the old plastic or new metal ones fitted before then. If I just want to lift off a cam cover to see what tensioners I have fitted prior to the service will I definitely need a new gasket or will some "silicone gasket" suffice until the major work in July? I really don't want to have to pay out for 2 sets of gaskets if I don't need to.
Steve

 

IF you can remove the cover without tearing the gasket, you can use black RTV (available at any auto parts store) to re-use the original gasket. Clean the gasket thoroughly as well as both mating surfaces, apply a thin coat of RTV at all the gasket mating areas, reassemble and re-torque.
I would only consider this a temporary measure and really recommend that you install a new gasket(s) even if only for a few months. The complete FelPro gasket set for the 2002 LS Lincoln 3.9 engine that fits the 4.0 L V8, is less than $50 from Rock Auto. (see earlier posts in this thread.). YMMV.

 

Thanks for the info

 

The gaskets are more like 'O' rings and the covers will come off without disturbing them. I have had my covers off twice without changing the gaskets or using RTV sealant and without experiencing oil leaks over more than 20k miles.

When reinstalling be sure not to tighten the bolts down too tight. There are brass spacers on each bolt to prevent you from cracking the plastic. Too much torque and you will crush the spacer and break the cover.

 

I bought mine at Rock Auto. I think it was $56 for both sides including all the spark plug and bolt o rings.