www.jec.org.uk

Hi everyone. This is my first post so sorry if it’s been asked before.

I recently bought a 1998 XJ8 long wheel base sovereign which has covered 90k miles.

I bought the car with a few minor issues. And I have been working my way through the list.

When I bought the car it only came with partial service history.

Anyway, it’s got a bit of a leak coming from the left hand rocker cover. So I am going to replace the gasket on both sides of the engine.

But thought while I’m in there I may as well chance the timing chain tensioners as I have no proof whether or not they have been changed.

My question is, is this a job that I can undertake at home on the drive way.

I am a time served mechanical fitter and I feel confident it’s a job I can complete.

However, I’m struggling to find the right parts. My local motor factors doesn’t supply them.

Or should I take it to my local jaguar specialist and have them do the work.

I Bought the car to fix it and flip it for a profit. But have since fallen in love with it

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Marc

Hello Marc and welcome to the forum,
I am glad your finding the XJ8(X308) to your liking,they are a good car.
I am away from home at the moment,due to get back today so I will sort out some info for you this evening.
I have the workshop manual and various PDF's relating to the tensioners.
I will post the links on here for you when I get back.
If you remove the rocker covers you can usually tell if you have the new tensioner's by the way they look.
Old ones are all plastic(orangie in colour),new ones have an alloy body(silver in colour).
Post some photo's if you can,would like to see you pride and joy.
What part of the world are you in,it always helps when suggesting part suppliers.
Take care and stay safe.
Andy

Hello again Marc.
Here are some PDF's for you to get acquainted with the tensioners.
I would think you would be able to do the job on your drive.
Especially since you are a qualified fitter.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eBYqxQ ... sp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_IQwR4 ... sp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aeOFl9 ... sp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uiaTlG ... sp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Kjdy03 ... sp=sharing
Feel free to download these files

Here is a link for the chain kit(aftermarket)
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/143480585842
https://www.berkshirejagcomponents.com/ ... 02x2773904
This one is for genuine Jaguar parts
https://parts.jaguarlandroverclassic.co ... nd/jaguar/
Here is a thread about doing the job.
https://www.jaguarforum.com/threads/i-c ... rday.8674/
Hope that helps and if you think of anymore questions then ask away.
Let us know how you get on anyway.
Take care and stay safe.
Andy