www.jec.org.uk

Hi All

I had a 4th generation full timing kit, water pump & thermostat housing fitted by an independent Jaguar specialist last week.
I know every car is different but if it's any consolation the top & bottom tenshioners had minimum wear plus water pump & thermostat housing were both serviceable
My car is a 2001 3.2 V8 Sport with 77,000 miles with a full Jag service history
I can post pictures of the parts if anyone is interested?
Thanks, Billy (now has peace of mind) Sears

Pictures are always interesting, Billy.

The plastic tensioners are a fail waiting to happen. Best to have them gone even if at the stage of removal they look ok. Peace of mind dictates fitment of the ali jobbies.

Plastic in hot oil leads to embrittlement. The stress reversals in the secondary timing gear then cause the plastic units to develop cracks down the tensioner bodies together with further cracking in the top and bottom slipper plates. Eventually the worst occurs and a partial (hopefully) top end engine rebuild results.

For the sake of a pair of ali tensioners for around £100 plus a few hours labour, not to have the job done is a no brainer.

Glad you had the job done. The worst aspect of an otherwise good engine design has been sorted.

I`ll ad that my early water pump gave up the fight at 77k miles. At 76,999 miles its was ok, but at 77k it wasn`t! Coolant squirting out of the front extension housing like a fire pump!!

Mike

Thanks Mike
I will post some pictures shortly - I understand that most people just have the top tenshioners replaced? I went for the full kit - Top/bottom tenshioners, chains & guides
Just the auto gearbox filter kit to fit now
Billy