Quick tensioner question

[Chris99]

Hi there,

Just a quick question really.

Are there any visual inspections I can do myself to check my tensioners and their condition?

Or does this require a specialist?

It's an MY 02 XKR, which has now ticked over 18,000 miles, and runs faultless, but I'm guessing it will not have the fully updated metal tensioners.

Cheers

Chris

[Nik]

Hi Chris ,
You can check the upper tensioners easily by removing the cam covers , examine them really carefully for splits and loose slippers ,
They are likely to be the second generation tensioners that have springs fitted to them , if there is any doubt to their condition get them changed to the latest type ,

Hope this helps ,

Nik

[Chris99]

That's excellent, thanks

That's another job for the weekend then!

Cheers

Chris

[analyse]

Hi Chris;

Just another small tip I picked up with my car chains -when bought as a non-runner the chains etc. had allegedly been replaced. This proved to be the case however only the top tensioners had been replaced. This only showed up after the car had been allowed to run long enough for the engine to warm up, at which point the warm and relaxed chains started to rattle because the bottom tensioners were not working. Point is this was not noticeable when just running from cold (and engine tight), so well worth a check at full running temperature when everythings nicely warmed up and looose/lubricated. It also shows the false economy of partial replacement..

Best Regards,

Howard.

[Chris99]

Cheers Howard, I'll keep that in mind ready for the weekend.

Regards,

Chris

[Nik]

Howards right there but the bottom tensioners are a real mare to check without stripping the front cover off ,

Nik

[aaj]

Chris

It's possible your XK may have the latest tensioners fitted from new.

The last 4.0's had the new system (but not the 4.2 water pump)

Unfortunately, there is no reliable documentation on date of change but if you serch the BB there is further info available. Your Engine No gives the date & time it was made.

If you take one of the cam covers off If you have the latest tensioners from new you will see the Primary Chain is the Morse type (not 'bike' chain) & will see the tensioner has an alloy body.

Make sure you have the correct latest gaskets & sealent b4 you start

Regards

Allan Jones
XK8 Registrar

[D_Doran]

I'd agree.. my 2002 XK8 4.0litre has the latest tensioners fitted according to the local main stealer. I'm pretty sure the XKRs were fitted with the newer tensioners before the XK8s, so that would cover yours.

You can just phone the main dealer with the VIN number to be sure.