Theres tension in those tensioners

[Shaguar]

Following the JEC seminar last weekend decided to have the following work carried out on the Shag:
1. Secondary Tensioners;
2. Water pump and thermostat.

Conclusion.
1. Tensioners seemed to be okay, although some slight cracking and also they where the original (no spring).
OLD
http://www.devans.karoo.net/image/Old%2 ... educed.jpg
NEW
http://www.devans.karoo.net/image/New%2 ... educed.jpg
2. Water pump was okay as well, but I now seem to be sleeping better.

Worked was carried out by a recommended Jaguar independant in Hull called Jagutech, a couple of guys who did work for the local dealership and have setup themselves, £40 per hour and charged 3.5 hours labour which I was quite pleased with.

[mike020150]

It's the eternal dilemma. To replace them or not? I can understand you sleeping better afterwards. Spending those pound notes will have removed quite a lump from under your mattress! More seriously, it's useful to hear that the lads at Jagutech did a good job. I'm trying to establish if there was a definitive change point on the production line from the plastic bodied tensioner to the latest metal bodied one. It's not unusual for the line to have been given priority and to have received supplies significantly in advance of Jaguar's dealership stores. Hence, I'm guessing that the latest tensioners may have been fitted quite a way before the beginning of 2005.

[Shaguar]

The new style (alloy body) only became available in February 2005, so not sure about been fitted in nothing but the late models.

[XK8UK]

Bit concerned about this one. I too am thinking about changing the tensioners, but my understanding is that apart from very low milage vehicles, which Jaguar had a written procedure for, the whole lot should be changed primary tensioners, primary chain and secondary chains.
Changing only the secondary tensioners can, as I understand from other Boards, actually cause snapping of the chains that are already in a worn state, a few thousand miles later. The advice given being that if you were only going to do it to sell the car on then ok but if you were to keep the car do the whole job.
Clearly from the labour charge you have only had the top, secondary tensioners changed. I don't think I would be sleeping at all soundly.

[Sharfrs2]

Due to get the XK back from Guy Salmon's tomorrow, having had all the tensioners etc changed. I'm sure glad I did, as I've just spoken to the technician and he told me that the secondaries were completely shot. He said it wouldn't have been long before they failed, gulp . So in short, don't delay, get them done, it brings a lot of peace of mind not having to worry wondering when they will give up on you. Oh and get the whole lot changed, that's primary and secondary tensioners, chains and guides, as if you only change one item something else will fail soon after.

[StuartK]

Hi Chaps
Just had my top chain tensioners done at West Riding Jag, cost was 98 quid for parts and 120 quid labour (3 hours @ 40 quid / hour). Should they have checked / done the secondary tensioners as well??
Regards
Stuart K

[GrandTourer]

Hi Stuart
I am a little confused of what you actually had changed?
The secondary chain tensioners are the ones at the top and these are the more risky ones.
The primary chain tensioners are the ones at the bottom and are more complex to get at, ie the front engine cover needs to come off. Also, they generally seem to last longer and when changing these, it is sensible to also replace the timing chains at the same time.

I am also puzzled about the cost in your case. They seem to have only charged you for the 2 tensioners (£96+VAT in my case). Apart from the 3 hours labour, for me @ £52/hr+VAT, my Independant (David Marks, Nottingham) has also supplied other parts, which I think should also be included, ie:
2 x cam cover gaskets @ £15.30+VAT
8 spark plug boss seals @ £1.80+VAT
4 bolts @ £0.40
So, my total bill came to £292.22 parts + £52.19 VAT = £ 350.41 total.
That seems to be about the same amount by good Independants.

You obviously had a good price from West Riding Jag.

By the way, I had my tensioners replaced purely as a precautionary action, they were still ok, but both had started to split. This was at 59k miles.

[StuartK]

Hi Karl,
Must have been the top tensioners i had done my Bill for this work was:
Chain tensioners - 97.42
Cam cover gaskets - 31.20
Spark plug seals - 4 of 7.12
3 hours labour @ 40 quid / hour
Total cost - 255.74

Also i had a bottom ball joint replaced and both front wheel bearings done, this cost a further 290 quid.

As withyourself this was done as preventative maintenance although there also were signs of the tensioners starting to crack when they were removed a cheap solution to the alternative wouldn't you agree!!
Regards
StuartK

[Sharfrs2]

Karl, Stuart, glad you're happy with the work carried out on your P&J's. Don't want to concern you both, but I was always told it would be best to have the primary tensioners, chains and guides changed at the same time as once you have new items the older gear gets a little bit more stressed. I was lucky with my tensioners as mentioned in earlier post, what I didn't mention was that my chains were also shot and definately needed replacing.

[GrandTourer]

Thanks for the info, Dave. I was considering doing that if it was found necessary during the top tensioner replacement. My chain and the whole visible engine condition looked absolutely prime and we decided to leave the bottom tensioners (who do get a different stress pattern to the top ones) and the chain for a while - 'till I start getting nervous again

[peterdyer]

Hi everyboby, Just had Gat Jag replace ,all primary and secondary tensioners (metal body) , chains ,guides ,all associated disturbed seals for £925, got top & bottom radiator hoses, cxed as a precaution ! already "cooked" my baby, when she overheated ! Pump impellor became loose on spindle of water pump, initially would only "overheat in sport mode" , then failed one cold morning on way to work, 6:00 am. Car was under an independent's warranty, took them a week to find that !! Any way, car much quieter now, even when cold, which had been a concern of mine! WELL that's done , and Gearbox , if you look under TRANSMISSION, ON my way to challenging the National Debt , if you know what I mean ?!!