Cam Cover

[MyQuest]

Help!
I've just started taking the B bank cam cover off my 99 XK8 to inspect the chain tensioners. (See this month's magazine). How does one get the dipstick tube bracket off one of the studs that retain the cover?
With the bracket's nut removed at this point, it will not lift up sufficiently to clear the stud. I've tried raising the stud with 2 X 5mm nuts which works but it strains the tube, a tad too much.
Guess there must be a trick (other than locating/disconnecting from the sump down below)...

Glad I'm not in a hurry any more!

Michael

[mike020150]

Not tried this task (yet), so if you don't get an answer quickly, I'd suggest copying your query to Dave Marks. Mike.

[Sharfrs2]

I do know of one chap whos has changed the tensioners himself. Unfortunately he had to modify the cam cover so that it will lift off. Otherwise there is no easy way, and if you don't want to "damage" the cover you will have to disconnect from the sump, or ask your local main/indi technician to do it for you.

[MyQuest]

Thanks, guys.

Well I bit the bullet and carefully hacksawed the bracket clear of the stud. (I trust none of my ex-apprentices read this...).

Will advise on what I find now that cover is off - although in the failing light it all looked tickety-boo / clean.

Michael

[MyQuest]

Continuing the saga. Finding nothing untoward on close inspection of the (B bank only) top tensioner and chains, I refitted the cover and put it to bed.

It appears that the later plastic units are fitted and I'm now pondering:-
Should I replace with the latest metal-bodied parts or leave well alone for a year or so? The engine has done about 24K, gets an oil change every 6 months and internals look - and sound - as new. (Photo available).


Michael

[Tandt]

Regarding the dip-stick tube, I had the same problem about a year ago. It is very difficult to see how to disconnect the tube from the bottom end so I also 'modified' the bracket. I think that this problem started with the AJ27 engine. Regarding the tensioners I don't think the cracks are visible while the tensioners are fitted and need to be removed to be sure.