Inspecting timing chain tensioners

[XJ_Driver]

I'm planning to remove one of the cam covers from my 2002 XJR to see whether I have the latest timing chain guides fitted. The LH (nearside) cam cover looks to be the easiest to remove. Apart from a new LH cam cover gasket, any other materials I should need to have ready for this job?

I'm just checking which tensioners I have fitted at this stage, so only R&R the cam cover.

Many thanks.

John.

[J44EAG]

Brake Busters excellent illustrated thread here shows the complete job in progress as regards the top secondary timing chain TENSIONERS rather than the primary drive chain guide which is behind the front timing chain cover plate. I`m assuming that you might mean tensions rather than the primary chain guide?
http://www.jec.org.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?f=86&t=3324

Check to make sure that the seals are working and the spark plug wells are not full of oil (leaky spectacle seals) or water which can be down to condensation or other water ingress. Coil packs, rubber boots and plugs don`t like being immersed in liquid!

Mike K

[XJ_Driver]

Thanks for that Mike - appreciated!

Don't know why I typed 'guides' - I was thinking tensioners...

Cheers,
John.

[robv12]

to be honest, removing the cam cover is the most time consuming part of the job, once your are in there the swap is a 10 minute job, bear in mind you then have to put it all back together again and then take it all apart once more if you decide to do the job, OR have the car immobile while you are waiting for parts, just my take on it, for the cost of two top tensioners I would just do the job at the first shout

[ptjs1]

John,

I have taken the liberty of changing the title of the thread to read "tensioners" in order that this will assist other members using the "Search" facility, I do hope this is ok with you.

Regards,

Paul

[XJ_Driver]

Thanks Paul - no problem.

Food for thought there, Rob. I hadn't considered the job in that way before. Engine running fine at present, so perhaps I'd better get the parts and tools together, clear some space in the garage and book myself a weekend to get on with it!

Thanks again.

John.

[RichardSEL]

Thanks for that Mike - appreciated!
Don't know why I typed 'guides' - I was thinking tensioners... Cheers, John.

Perhaps coz there's two ways to skin this cat's design fault?
Surry Jags quoted me £521.12 for the top chain tensioner upgrade to the metal 4.2L V8 AJ engine type; while change out of top, bottom, guides, and chains costs £750

Thanks to Brake Buster for his excellent illustrated thread
I now know what I'm buying...

[robv12]

my suggestion is this

I get my top tensioners from Neville at NE Jag Spares, you will see they come with upgraded bolts

http://www.jaguarspares-northeast.co.uk ... 11-c2a1512, it is unlikely the chains will be damaged, but if they are Neville has these as well, but two cam cover gaskets as well.

hire the tools from Annie Jenkins

http://www.ukjag.org.uk/

then you are set to go, allow an hour each side, add a little if it your first time, but it really is a very simple job to do,

While you are in there you can see the lower slipper guides, these can crack, but and this is the but, the lower chains can't go anywhere , whereas the top ones can and do fall off the worn and/or broken tensioner wrecking the engine. I ran a Super V8 with a "wobbly" bottom chain for ages , it ran fine just sounded a little "chainy"