I read that I need not worry about having the latest metal secondary cam tensioners in my 2002 XK8 if my engine number was after Aug 13th 2001. My number, which I got from the dealer from my vin number, is NA0108141027
which looks like it was built on Aug 14, 2001 10:27 time.
Am I correct in assuming this is correct or do I still have to tear into the engine to confirm. All sounds good on startup and running with only 29,900 miles showing.
Look forward to an answer from jag experts.

 

From my reading almost everything on tensioners I can get my hands on you are only out of the woods with a 2003 or newer. There was one late built 2002 reported on the forum that had the complete redesigned cam chain drive system installed. But 2001 as far as I know the best you will have in there is the second generation tensioners and they were plastic. My 2000 had 40K miles and were starting to fail.

EZdriver 2000 XK8

Hope this helps.

 

The August 13, 2001 date has been reported for years as the transition date. It would be a great benefit if you would confirm that you, indeed, have the metal tensioners. The information that I have seen would lead you to believe that the August date only referred to the tensioners themselves and that the upgraded chains were transitioned in Feb of '02.

All you have to do is remove a valve cover . . . not a big deal.

 

When your car was built and when the engine was built really has NOTHING to do with it.
The car was built with an engine that was made before WHEN?????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????

bob gauff

 

That is his engine number isn't it? Which equates to the engine build time, so it should be the day after the tensioners were upgraded.
Would I trust that to be a fact if it were mine, not a chance.
As has been suggested pull a cover and check.

 

Looks like a bunch of fragmented info so as a last resort, I will be taking off the covers and replacing the tensioners if needed. Thanks to all for the info. I will report findings ASAP.

 

I removed the cam covers on my 2002 xk8 and to my relief the 3rd generation tensioners there there. New gaskets and button it up. My universe has been restored back to normal. Good help from responders and picture posts made it much eaisier. I believe the engine build date info was correct but I'm not much of a gambler, so checking it out was the only way for me. Happy jag owning to all.

 

I have got a 1999 XK8 11200 miles. It runs geat but I don't know if the tentioner has been replaced. Should the replacement be metal?

 

What it 3rd generation? and where do I get the parts?

 

The first and second generation tensioners had plastic bodies that loved to crack. Third generation units were metal bodied. Google "Jaguar secondary tensioner replacement" and you will get multiple threads on this forum about the subject.

If they have not been changed on your '99, they will break. Regardless of miles.

 

Thanks I don't think any work has been done to this engine. it's been babyed. I,ll look for the 3rd G parts and put them in. I also need to change the trans oil and filter. There is alot of talk about the oil! I'll pay the price but there is diagrement on this and there is a sevice bullitin from Jag to change the oil with a Jag part #?