www.jec.org.uk

My 1997 6-cylinder 3.2 XJ Sport has been chirping when I start the engine. I originally blamed the old, cracked air con belt, so it was replaced along with its pulley. This did not stop the noise. As the alternator belt is new and in good condition, I think the culprit is the crank pulley/harmonic balancer. My suspicions are reinforced by the battery not charging properly then going flat.

When the engine warms up, the battery charges nicely.

I have read descriptions of using a tool to get the pulley bolt undone (here is one on ebay, for an X308: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Jaguar-Crank ... SwuxFYwWCe ).

Will a puller for an V8 Jaguar work on my 6-cylinder car? I can't find one for X300s and I don't want to loosen the bolt using a breaker bar and starter motor.

Any advice is welcome.

Thanks you.

Before you go at the crank pulley which can be a pig to get off, Isn't there a tensioner/adjuster on the main belt to rule out? Crank dampers usually make a noise when they are giving up, but I don't think they contribute to belt slackness. But ig you had to pull the pulley, check for any oil leaks as it is an opportunity to (carefully) fit a new oil seal.

Thanks Chris. It's definitely not either belt; both are new and correctly tensioned. I decided to do without the pain so my garage will be fitting the pulley I bought from ebay. I've asked them to check the oil seal too.