I have a 1966 XK-E with a 4.2 liter engine. I noticed a fair amount of noise indicating it is in need of adjustment. I would like to purchase the special tool and do the adjustment myself. Has anyone done this and is it something an amateur could do? Any suggestions would be very much appreciated

Submitted by htech@cwnet.com on Sun, 07/17/2005 - 17:14

When I first purchased my '63 E-Type in 1970, I drove it fifty miles daily.

I noted that the Service Manual advised adjusting the top chain each 2,500 miles (if required).

This was a bit of a bother since I had to drive it approximately 10 miles to British Motors, wait for it to cool down and be adjusted and then drive back home.

I asked their parts dept. to order me the adjusting tool. They weren't too happy about that but ordered it anyway.

I stopped using it as a daily-driver when it reached 100K miles, about twenty years ago, but there are two things I remember about the adjustment of the upper timing chain. #1. It is easily over-tensioned and #2. It doesn't require readjustment nearly as often as every 2,500 miles. Tom Hughes

Submitted by SC38-21185J on Sat, 07/16/2005 - 19:46

Edited on 2005-07-16 19:48:57

If you are mechanically inclined, I suspect you could do it yourself. The timing chain is tightened through an eccentric cam through the domed oil breather "cap" forward of the cam covers. You slacken off a couple of bolts just enough so the cam will move, but will hold it's new position, then tighten down the bolts. Don't get the chain too tight. You should refer to a manual as well. If the chain remains noisey after tightening, it may be worn out. How many miles on the car? If a new chain is needed, I'd give it to a mechanic. I seem to recall some chain tensioner pads lower down as well, but not sure. Not much room to work in there; tou might remove one of the front wheels just to get in there better...you don't want to work blindly.

Patrick McLoad