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Jaguar XK-Series Chain Tensioner Replacement

21 messages,  Last post on Jun 25, 2008 at 1:18 PM

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What is this discussion about? Jaguar XK-Series, Engine, Coupe, Convertible

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#12 of 21 Re: is this timing chain tensioner issue for real? [Mr_Shiftright] by lrsweet May 22, 2007 (3:49 pm)
Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Mar 14, 2007 11:43 am) I just purchased a 98 XK8 for $20K with a 2 year bumper to bumper warranty. Love IT! It's a beautiful and elegant convertible. Part of my sale included resolution of all existing mechanical issues. One of the mechanical symptoms was: when the engine was cold there was a valve ticking noise. Sure enough, the timing chains, tensioners, blade, guide, several seals and gaskets were replaced. $840 for parts, $1,300 for labor. Warranty paid for it all! Had I not had the noise looked at, the chain would have broken and the engine would have had to have an over haul.   I've read several articles and I'm only finding minimal reports of issues with this 2nd year AJ-V8 engine which is still in use 9 years later, just a little bit improved.   Here are a couple of informative links I enjoyed reading:   http://www.jagservice.net/jaguar_v8_secondary_tensioners.htm   http://www.racinggreencars.com/modern/The%20Jaguar%20AJ-V8%20Engine%20Strengths%- 20and%20Weaknesses.pdf
#13 of 21 Re: is this timing chain tensioner issue for real? by dave20255 Aug 07, 2007 (7:17 am)
Yes, I would say it is. I just bought a 2001 XK8 from a Toyota dealer subject to inspection. I had the inspection done by a franchised Jaguar detail and all was good except leaky cam cover seals. Yesterday it was in for repair and they found the tensioners were cracked. Lucky for me it has 4 months left of Jaguar warranty (100,000 mls/6 years)so they replaced the tensioners, spark plug seals, centre seals, valve seals along with the gaskets for the cam covers! Great service without any discussion needed! Nalley of Roswell, GA,
#14 of 21 This tensioner issue is for real! by goldcountry Sep 26, 2007 (2:01 pm)
Thsi tensioner thing is a real problem. I have a 1998 VDP with the 4.0 liter engine. With the car out of warranty and with 69000 miles on the engine, one of the chain tensioners failed, resulting in one of the valves punching through a piston. There was no 'noisy engine' symptom prior to the failure. The dealer's recommended fix was a new crate engine at a price of about $9K. That's an expensive failure.
#15 of 21 Re: Early XK8 chain tensioners [gregad] by gwendolyn Oct 16, 2007 (9:44 am)
Replying to: gregad (Mar 17, 2006 2:23 pm) OK...just purchased a 97 xk8 with 82k...what is a tensioner....what should i do for this car other than change the oil and get it checked out....? thx , gwen
#16 of 21 Timing Chain Tensioners by goldcountry Oct 17, 2007 (9:26 am)
Gwen - The Jag V8 you have uses a chain drive (like a bicycle chain) to drive the cams that open and close the engine's valves. The tensioners keep the chain tight so it doesn't flop around; they work like the spring loaded derailleur on a bike. On the 4.0 liter V8, The designers used some lightweight plastic parts in the tensioner system. These parts fatigue with extended use, and many Jag owners have experienced tensioner failures. When that happens, the failure can be catastrophic as it was in my case. Jag has redesigned the tensioner system using much more robust parts, and I believe they sell this upgraded system as a kit. Ask the party you bought the car from if the new tensioners have been installed, and get a copy of their receipts for this work if possible. Take your car to a mechanic experienced with these Jag engines and ask if your engine has the new tensioners. The mechanic may have to do some dissasembly to find out, but it will be far less expensive than replacing the engine.
#17 of 21 Re: Early XK8 chain tensioners [gregad] by jhimel Jan 31, 2008 (4:42 pm)
Replying to: gregad (Mar 17, 2006 2:23 pm) My 2000 Vanden Plas had the same problem !! Thank god the chain broke during start up. I had to have my Chain Tensioners Replaced and all 4 of my chains !!! This cost me $2650. I would love to get something from Jaguar. They know about this problem. They have upgraded the Tensioners 2 times !! But I BOUGHT THIS $90,000 CAR WITH 65K MILES FOR 15K OUT THE DOOR. I love my Super Charged VDP !!! I hope that I will not have to order parts from INDIA someday. Please click on this link for more info on Chain Tensioner FAILURES !   http://www.jagservice.net/jaguar_v8_secondary_tensioners.htm Replies to this message: Mr_Shiftright (Feb 01, 2008 10:02 am)
#18 of 21 Re: Early XK8 chain tensioners [jhimel] by Mr_Shiftright HOST Feb 01, 2008 (10:02 am)
Replying to: jhimel (Jan 31, 2008 4:42 pm) Jaguar depreciation for a year 2000 is pretty drastic. That's about retail for a 2000 VDP SC, shocking as that sounds. Your chain problem is one reason these cars can be bought so cheap. But with the upgrade, you should be okay.
#19 of 21 jaguar xk8 timing chain by cmn Apr 22, 2008 (4:03 pm)
I have a 1999 xk8 convertible - 103K miles - have had her for 5 years and drive her lightly - do regular maintenance. Recently, I had it tuned-up and serviced and took it on a trip to the Outer Banks - approx. 400 miles - ran great - 26.6 miles per gallon. Did minimal driving thru the vacation week as 2 family members brought off road vehicles which we used. The day of departure, the Jag would not "turn" - the engine made a horrendous grinding noise. I had the car towed to the neares Jag dealer in VA Beach - unfortunately, it was a weekend and I was forced to return home w/o the car. They told me it was "flooded" - but, the timing chain and tensioners were ready to go - at a qoute of 3K for the repair - I decided to have the car shipped home and consult locally for diagnostic. There was no prior problems w/ the car - it has never left me sit. Any thoughts on this? What has anyone else been quoted for the repair? Thanks - any input would be helpful
#20 of 21 2000 XK8 Tensioners by donbl Jun 16, 2008 (6:27 pm)
Bought 2000 new and now has 92K well maintained and enjoyed miles on it.   Starting to get expensive to maintain (average $4K/yr) without inspecting/replacing the tensioners. Have not decided to replace or to sell the car.   Been a joy to own and drive on long trips.   Will miss it as it is the best car I have ever owned.   The new ones are not as pretty and they are up to $15K higher than I bought mine for some 9 years ago. As I go to dealerships of different manufacturers, I can not find a 2008 car I like as well as my 2000 XK8.   BTW, for those who haven't, plugging your IPOD into the cassette player is a real treat on the top notch stereo system that is still much better than my Lexus top of the line system.
#21 of 21 engin lights off and on by rgh2 Jun 25, 2008 (1:18 pm)
lights come on and say." Stability failed,and Traction failed. What does it mean,and do I have to have it checked. My Jag is a VDP 1999

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