Have a 1999 S-type V8. Car went into limp home mode. Took it to the dealer for scan. They said codes for timing chain/tensioners (but couldn't give me printout...). Dealer said rattle from both cams, but couldn't identify if secondary or primary. Did notice rattle on startup a few days previously but didn't think about it. Have had car towed to home and removed both cam covers. Looks like original secondary tensioners and they appear all intact and tensioners look OK. Looking down cover to primary chains and guides, they all look ok and intact. I REALLY don't want to pull the timing cover off to get to primary chains...but of course there may be damage that I cannot see. All chains appeared to be tensioned OK, but I am only guessing it is OK. I would replace the secondary tensioners and probably chains anyway, now that I have got this far. Am I kidding myself that the primaries are OK? Should I drop the sump and look for broken plastic? Christopher's Foreign Car Parts sells a chain kit with master links. Is there any advantage to using this-presumably you would cut off (not sure how) the original chain without disturbing cam (using lock tool).
I intend to sell the car when running again, but I don't want to leave problems for the next owner. Is it reasonable just to replace the secondary chains/tensioners...but if primary not OK I would have wasted time/money?

 

Replace timing chains and tensioners. Sell her, then get an STR.