R: Timing Chain Tensioner

Just finished having the Calgary Jauar dealer installing the timing chain kit that included top and bottom tensioners. The cost for labour was $1700.00 (12 hours) plus $650.00 for the kit from XKs Unlimited. All the parts came in Jaguar boxes and wrapping so the kit from XKs is a really good deal.

I asked for the old parts back and under close inspection I can report that they looked like new. Mind you my car has only 45,000 km on the odometer (25,000 miles). I'm glad to get it out of the way so I can enjoy miles of motoring without the worry of cratering the engine.

Cheers,

Thanks Steven;

Yes, it's the whole works. I'll probably have them chenge the water pump while they're in there. Car certainly hasn't been abused. The PO just traded it in on an Aston Martin. I figure I got a pretty good buy. Sure is differnet from my Series I E Type I just sold, but quite a bit quicker!! Seat time it is :)

Tim Waters
95 VDP
2002 XKR Coupe

If you are doing all 4 tensioners, that would be a reasonable figure. I wouldn't sweat the time waiting on the parts unless you feel the car was abused by the prior owner; which your description does not lead me to believe.

Get yourself some quality seat time!!

Cheers,

I have just purchased a 2002 XKR with 45,000km. The car looks and runs like new. I have ordered the complete kit for replacing the tensioners, chains etc from XKs Unlimited.The Jaguar dealer in Calgary has agreed to change it out for 12 hours labour charge.

Is this a reasonable deal? With such low mileage, will my car make it until the parts arrive? So far no rattling noises!!

I finished. I just completed the cam chain tensioner and rail upgrade to gen 3. This preventative step saved my engine as both secondary tensioners were cracked and both inner rails were split in 2 places. It was a blast, more fun than should be legally possible.

I am almost complete with the replacement of my tensioners. I have a '99 XK8 and there were no signs of any trouble, but I thought I would go ahead and change the tensioners and rails. To my surprise the LB secondary tensioner was cracked 1/2 way down the middle and the LB secondary tensioner was cracked the full length of the outer case. (I believe I have 2nd gen tensioners.) The curved primary rail was cracked in 2 places all the way through on both the LB and RB. I am soooo glad I caught them before trouble started. I am also upgrading the thermostat, water pump and replacing all of the cooling hoses.

In taking the numerous parts off of the engine I am surprised by the brittle condition of almost every plastic piece and especially the breather hoses. I am less than enthusiastic about using plastic corrugated flex hose for the breather pathways. Does anyone have suggestions? How about high grade fuel line hose instead?

Looking for suggestions.
Steven

The sleeved engines actually began during the middle of the 2001 model year production run. 2000's still are nikasil, as are early 2001's.

Cheers,

Nick,

Unless someone knows otherwise I believe starting in 2000 both XK8 and R now had steel sleeves so no Nikasil worries. The second generation heavier plastic timing chain tensioner was installed from 1999 until 2005 when the 3rd generation aluminum tension came on the scene. The plastic impeller on the water pumps went away with the intro of the 4.2 liter engine in 2003.

Jerry Cohen
2006 VDP
1995 XJSV12

Thanks everyone.

Nick

Edited on 2011-02-02 15:46:54

When you replace the tensioners you might want to consider replacing the timing chains and water pump also. The original water pump had plastic inpeller and it can shatter causing almost immediate overheat. The new waters pumps have metal implellers. Of course replace all gaskets and thermostat also. Cost would probably run around $2,000 with labor and parts. If you do it yourself you could save about $1,000. If your engine doesn't have any nikasil issues and its well maintained your engine should be good for 200k miles or so. You can buy a complete kit to do all of it.

George, thanks for covering my omission!

Steven is correct but that should not stop you--just upgrade them and forget it--The issue is only an issue when ignored --then it is an ISSUE!

Yes, the timing chains and tensioners are common between supers and normally aspirated.

Cheers,