Cam Belts

[KevNoble]

I have been reading on various websites that the XF3.0D has cambelts: my question then is when should they be replaced and is it reasonabley straight-forward for a DIY mechanic (I've done quite a few on Audi's and Peuogot's). Ta.

[davidr]

Cam belt on all the V6 diesels should be changed at 105k miles I believe. You will need the proper tools to set the timing etc. May be best to pay a specialist to do this? Most independents will be well used to doing this from the earlier cars (ie XJ, S Type and XF) and their labour rates will be much less than a main dealer.
Hope that helps
Regards
David

[ianoliver57]

Might need to be careful with this one. I had a 2004 S type, 2.7D and the main dealer said the cam belts needed renewing by age just as much as mileage. Mine were replaced when the car was 8 years old even although it had only covered 29000 in miles!

Regards, Ian.

[raysearles]

The cam belt on an S Type Diesel needs replacing at either 105k miles as David says, OR 7 years old whoever comes first. I had mine done just before I sold the S Type.

Recently I had my XF serviced at XJK in Newcastle-u-Lyme, and the picture is less clear, the Jag manual seems to indicated 10 years, or 150k but other sources that we checked whilst we were online in their workshop suggested 105k or 7 years as per the S Type. For me better to have it done earlier and have peace of mind than later and a large bill.. will see if any further information comes out on this at the Seminar next week.

Ray

[KevNoble]

Thanks for that - the car is only 4years old, but I do 22k miles per year, so I'll soon reach 105k miles!

[regl7]

worth checking is any deals on this at main dealers when it needs doing as they did offers a couple of years ago on S types that were competitive with some specialists.

[raysearles]

First, a definitive answer to the cam belt replacement question, according to XJK at our seminar on the diesels it is 150k (10 years) on the 2.7 or 3.0 or 144k (10 years) on the 2.2D.

Wrt the pricing, I agree with Reg, two years ago my local dealer was quoting plus £600 on an S Type cam belt, but they are so desperate to win this work back from the independents they recently quoted around £350. So well worth checking quotes and pushing the dealers for a better deal....

[KevNoble]

Hi Ray. Thanks for the update - I managed to get to the XF seminar (really excellent) and 3.0D cam belt life is 112k miles/10 years. I'll look around. Re my restricted performance, sounds like it's the vacuum servo actuator on the turbo shut-off valve. I'll get it diagnosed when I get the chance(done 3000miles in the last month!).

[rosemary]

Be warned cam belts are subject to premature failure. It is not good to simply work on replacement by mileage or time.
My 2.7d S-Type was showing failure at 85,000 miles, discovered by the Jaguar Main Dealer Engine Tester whilst checking my car for a suspected miss-fire, turned out to be the gearbox, needed a new one. I have the old belt and there was a six inch split along one side causing a ticking noise coming from the cam cover.

[J44EAG]

These belts shred around the length of the belt. Any sign of that, get it done asap.

I remember David Marks saying he will only change a belt on the understanding idler pulleys are done at the same time. Some 9hrs are needed to change a belt and if a pulley bearing gives up the next week after a belt change, then yet another 9hrs labour is needed to sort the issue.

Whilst belt changing, don`t forget to get the fuel pump belt at the rear of the engine done at the same time.

Mike K

[KevNoble]

Thanks for the updates. I'll check the belt and get it replaced ASAP.

[rosemary]

I would like to ask a question about the 3.0 litre diesel engine versus the 2.7 diesel engine . I have read in various motoring reports that the 3.0l diesel is a much better engine than the 2.7d, Why?. In what way is it better, it still has a cam belt unlike previous Jaguar engines, and I assume the same bits and pieces as the 2.7d. I am contemplating, (the search is on,) buying an XF and the choice is very much wider with the 2.7d in respect of budget. Is the 3.0d gearbox/torque convertor the same as the 2.7d, I am painfully aware of the gearbox on my S-Type.

[davidr]

Rosemary - the biggest and most obvious difference is in performance. The 2.7 has just over 200bhp. The standard 3.0 has 240bhp and the 3.0S has 275bhp. I had a 3.0S for a while and I can tell you it's a seriously fast car. 0-60 in under 6 seconds is quick!!
The 3.0 engines are also more fuel efficient and have lower emissions.
Worth the upgrade I think
Hope that helps
Regards
David

[rosemary]

Thanks davidr very helpful, more power is very useful, I use my cars to tow a caravan. My 2.7d is great but I do hanker after the 3.0d

[J44EAG]

David,

If you want a bit more grunt from the 2.7, why not consider an aftermarket plug and play electronic enhancement unit. They are not overly expensive and many members have fitted these units in minute and with success. The unit unlocks power that Jaguar constrict by design. Many of the units have an adjustment pot fitted so you can select the way in which the new found power can be adjusted.

Chipping a standard car in my experience is nothing to be frightened of and there are no negative effects. Engines run sweeter and are more responsive. When I did a similar mod to my V8, it was like having another cylinder bolted on to the engine.

Mike K