Tensioners replacement

[johnparsons]

Hello all
I have recently purchased a 1996 XK8 and I wonder does someone out there have a definitive 'method sheet' for changing the chain tensioners?
I am a reasonably competant DIY mechanic and unless advised otherwise was going to attempt this myself!

I hope there is someone out there who can help

Thanks

John Parsons

[mike020150]

Hi John,
The detailed process is too long to list here. However, there have been plenty of good articles in both Jaguar Enthusiast and Jaguar Monthly as well as the official Jaguar workshop instructions which are available on the JTIS disks. The latter can be bought readily from eBay sellers. Equally, I'm sure back issues of the magazines can be purchased if you missed the original articles. Mike.

[johnparsons]

Thanks Mike for the advice. I will try to track down a set of instructions.

[Brakebuster]

this is how i did it myself

http://www.jaguarforum.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=11332

not a hard job, just methodical,

this only explains the top replacement, and not the whole chain and lower jobby

BB

that was over 18 months ago, and my engine hasnt fallen out the bottom yet, lol

[johnparsons]

Thanks Brake Buster

With a combination of your note and the JTIS manual I now have a much better picture.

Do you still have all the tools? If so do you fancy a 'rent' later in the year when I gert round to doing mine?

Thanks for your help

[Brakebuster]

sorry, tools went within a week of the thread being started, and as i understand have repaired a further four engines to date, but dont know where they are , i sold them on with no loss of money ( and no profit either )

if you are competent and methodical, and have a decent tool kit , then this job shouldnt be a problem, and no need for the bonnet to come off either,

but if you go for the full chain replacement, then its better the bonnet is removed

if just doin the top exhaust chain cam tensioners like i did, then there is no need to lock the flywheel under the car, as the engine will hold everything with the cams locked down, be sure to lock both down even if your just working on the one side, as they can move otherwise

get your parts from Jaguar , they are cheap enough , and original and latest versions

get 4 of the tensioner fixing bolts, the new ones are shorter for the smaller tensioner, the original bolts will bottom out and not hold the tensioner tight, a quid each, but you need them.....

another thing to note is the cam cover/spark plug gasket seals , pre 1999 AJ26 engines have the joined spark-plug seals, AJ27 engines have the separate ones , you can tell what engine you have by looking at the spark plug coil pack......2 wire means early AJ26 , and 4 wire mean later AJ27 , thats the quick way to tell.

the later AJ27 also has the VVT solenoid coming up through the top of the cam cover like in my pictures , if its a 4ltr that is , 3.2 didnt have them.....

hope some of this helps

my car has run a further 30k miles with the new tensioners and that was nearly two years ago.....

BB

[johnparsons]

Thank again Brake Buster
Invaluable help and most kind of you
I will let you know how I get on!!!!

[bt965]

Hi John , if your near the West Midlands area I,ve got the tools and will give hand with the job
Bob

[bt965]

P.S You may find that on an early model that the tensioners have been upgraded.
Just a thought.
Bob

[johnparsons]

Thanks for the offer Bob but unfortuneately I am in the deep south near Aldershot so you are a bit of a way off for me!

Thanks for your help

[pjw12345]

Hi everyone changing top tensioners on my 1997 xk8 has anyone got tools I require to buy or loan, could you e mail me on( peterwheeler133@googlemail.com)
Thanks Pete.

[Brakebuster]

Hi Pete

all the required tools can be hired through the JEC from the home page link

BB

[pjw12345]

Thanks