Hi everyone. First I want to thank everyone for all of the super information and tech help. You guys ROCK! i am getting ready to install 3rd gen tensioners on my 2000 S-Type 4.0. The 2nd gen tensioners broke (secondary on the passenger side, don't know which "bank" that is) recently (thank God there was no major damage i.e bent valves). I had the work done at an independent shop. They replaced primary and secondary tensioners, chain guides, 1 ignition coil, and spark plugs. The car ran fine up until a couple of weeks ago. I was not aware of the tensioner problems prior to this so I never thought to question any of the repairs. After researching all of this, I asked if he used 3rd gen tensioners and he acted like he didn't know what I was talking about so I am sure he didn't. I also noticed he didn't change out the chains. The car has started making that "rattling" noise again that it made prior to the tensioner breaking last time. It doesn't make it constantly but it is noticeable. I am going to use the 3rd gen tensioners but I need to know the criteria for justifying chain replacement. Chains were the only thing that wasn't replaced last time. The car just rolled over 101,000. I am going to do this work myself as I am very mechanically inclined and understand all of these procedures.

 

You may find this helpful:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...etc-faq-45579/

 

I have that book marked already! I was given a tip that said I could take the serpentine belt off and run the car for 15-20 seconds and shut it off. I should be able to tell if it is the chain(s) making the noise by that. Does that sound right?

 

I am being more inclined to change the chains out anyway as the car has 101,000 miles on it. I got a car-fax on it and found that the water pump has already been changed and I had to have the transmission rebuilt right after I purchased it. I am thinking that if I replace the chains, that should cover all of the design flaws and the car should be good for another 60,000 miles before i need to do PM work again, minus oil changes of course

 

The chains seem pretty good. The 1st & 2nd gen tensioners, er, no. But... if you're in there then do what seems wise.