Those Tensioners Again

[mike020150]

Believe me. When you run 30,000 vehicles you get a very good statistically valid picture of the performance of cam belts! Mike.

[maximus]

Where can I find accurate info on changing the top tensioners, torque settings and hiring of the special tools ? Mine is a 2002 4.0 model.

All comments appreciated

[aaj]

You may be in luck

Some of the 2002 Registered XK's have the later 4.2 tensioners

If you register your XK & insert text in one of the bottom text fields that you want more info on tensioners I'll respond accordingly

Allan Jones

[maximus]

I have just checked the upper tensioners on my xk8 May 2003 and they are the 3rd generation tensioners. Obviously only the top could have been done, but there is no mention on the service records.

The bonus to this was also the fact that oil was leaking into the spark plug wells. New plugs, cam gasket and seals were fitted all round.The only problem was the bolt nearest the servo was a pain to undo. Next weekend the other side. Deep joy !!!

[alanbyrne]

Has anyone got contact details of PSG in Farnham?
Thanks,
Alan

[alanbyrne]

Thanks for all the replies to this well worn topic. I had the top tensioners replaced yesterday. They were both cracked. The RHS one was cracked over 50% of the barrel length, the LHS one about 25%. So worth doing although who knows how long they would have survived like that? Everything else looked in good nick.

Cost? £280 from PSG in Farnham Surrey. The proprieter, Paul Voller, even let me watch and was happy to explain as he went along. I'm glad I did not attempt it as a DIY what with special tools to hold the camshafts and tricky gaskets. Paul is obvioulsly very experienced but nevertheless even he looked relieved when the torque wrench clicked on retightening the camchaft sprocket bolt - its done up mighty tight for such a modest size!

As for water pump and thermostat, they will have to wait for another day. I thought I had the new pump anyway having a VIN later than quoted change over in Bob Bate's article mentioned by Mike above. However Paul looked and thought it was the old type - he says you can tell by features on the pump body.

If someone can tell me how to post photos on this BB, I'll post a picture.

Hello Bill,
Can you let me have the contact deatils of PSG please.
Thanks,
Alan Byrne