I had a question a couple of days ago about the removal of the timing chain cover on my V-8 and whether the removal of the alternator, air-conditioning pump and the power steering pump was necessary. Today I answered my own question. I removed the alternator (which has two bolts that are impossible to access with just one person and thanks to my patient dad). Underneath/behind that are four bolts which fasten the large bracket to the right side of the engine block. Once the bracket is removed, you can access a wire loom which runs behind it and is attached to the back of the timing chain cover.

I removed the air conditioning compressor (have to take the wheel off to get to the top two bolts. I managed to strip one of the power steering bolts so will have to figure out how to get that out next weekend. With the power steering pump mounting bracket out, I can remove the wiring loom on the left side (man there are a lot of wires in this car).

Also removed the housing for the oil filter to gain better access to the front of the engine. I have parts everywhere in my garage!

Still haven't got the harmonic balancer off - been working at it with a air wrench. If that doesn't work, will use the breaker bar and bump the starter method.

With all of that off, will be ready to take off the timing chain cover (depends on how long the weather lasts here).

While I have it apart, plan to replace the heater valve, the sway bar bushings, the thermostat housing, belt tensioner, serpentine belt, y-pipe on the front of the engine. Already replaced the water pump a year or two ago when the thermostat failed (caught it).

More to follow

Richard Lindsey
2002 S-Type Jaguar - 4.0 L V-8