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Jaguar XK-Series Chain Tensioner Replacement

26 messages,  Last post on Sep 19, 2009 at 9:43 AM

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

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#7 of 26 Re: Early XK8 chain tensioners [boodada] by gregad Mar 17, 2006 (1:23 pm)
Replying to: boodada (Mar 07, 2006 4:41 pm) My 97 xk8 is in today for upper tensioners as engine was knocking. My shop warned me a year ago that it would come sooner or later. They suggested new plugs and fresh oil too for a total of $1200. It has about 48,000 miles.Gotta do what ya gotta do. Better than a new engine. So has anyone gotten money back from Jag?? Replies to this message: gwendolyn (Oct 16, 2007 8:44 am) jhimel (Jan 31, 2008 3:42 pm) Mr_Shiftright (Feb 01, 2008 9:02 am)
#8 of 26 jaguar xjr v8 lost compression by beaney Feb 11, 2007 (2:08 pm)
help jag loss compression now won start did not over heat and is still turning over is it time tensioners how do i time the engine up or check it hasn't jumped any teeth
#9 of 26 is this timing chain tensioner issue for real? by rawdad Feb 27, 2007 (3:17 pm)
I have a 98 XK8 with 54k miles. Bought it in Sep 06 (in storage for the winter right now). It runs EXCELLENT! Had it to the Jag dealer to have it checked out - everything was ok. I asked the dealer about the tensioners and he said the problem was over hyped on the internet - he had never seen a problem with that engine for that reason. He said he hears that it happens - but as long as you maintain the car with frequent oil changes - you shouldn't have a problem. Hmmm. I also read a comment in another forum from a Jag mechanic in CA that has seen literally hundreds of Jags with the 4.0 engine from 97 to 99 model years - and never, ever has he seen one where the tensioners failed. Is this a real problem or is it overhyped? I am getting contrary advice. Any input? Replies to this message: Mr_Shiftright (Mar 14, 2007 10:43 am) lrsweet (May 22, 2007 2:49 pm)
#10 of 26 XK8 Convert by dmoniz Mar 14, 2007 (9:32 am)
I'm looking at buying an '01 with 70,000 miles listed for $21k. Is this a good price? What should I look for in this car for possible trouble spots? After reading the last post, I'm not sure if the chain tensioners are an issue or not. Any advice offered would be appreciated. Thank you.
#11 of 26 Re: is this timing chain tensioner issue for real? [rawdad] by Mr_Shiftright HOST Mar 14, 2007 (10:43 am)
Replying to: rawdad (Feb 27, 2007 3:17 pm) I think the problem is real.   http://www-gatago.com/alt/autos/jaguar/38509443.html   Of course, in terms of "percentages of failures" it may not be very much, but if the music stops and you're the one without the chair, well then the percentage rate of failure is 100%.   But sure, it's not like every 4.0 is eating its tensioners...but I don't think people are making this up. Replies to this message: lrsweet (May 22, 2007 2:49 pm)
#12 of 26 Re: is this timing chain tensioner issue for real? [Mr_Shiftright] by lrsweet May 22, 2007 (2:49 pm)
Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Mar 14, 2007 10:43 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 26 Re: is this timing chain tensioner issue for real? by dave20255 Aug 07, 2007 (6:17 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 26 This tensioner issue is for real! by goldcountry Sep 26, 2007 (1:01 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 26 Re: Early XK8 chain tensioners [gregad] by gwendolyn Oct 16, 2007 (8:44 am)
Replying to: gregad (Mar 17, 2006 1:23 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 26 Timing Chain Tensioners by goldcountry Oct 17, 2007 (8:26 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.

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