After getting some great advice from my previous thread I have decided to do some work on my jag myself (2003 XJ8 Vanden Plas)

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ical%2A-66506/

I am beyond nervous as I have never done a lick of work on any car before and I want to start with replacing my valve cover gaskets. Before diving right in, I need some advice.

1. I need to order the gasket. Through some research online (RockAuto Parts, AutoZone etc.) I have been unable to determine which gaskets are required. Help?!

2. I need torque ratings for the valve cover and to buy a torque wrench (???). I found one that is rated for low (5-27 Nm) torque for a little over $100 (ouch.)

3. I need to know what to expect! It looks like I will have to move a lot of lines out of the way.

4. I need some confidence! I am excited, yet apprehensive. I don't want to get started and end the day without a driveable car.


I installed JTIS, but it doesnt seem to have the info I need, so please help! Please remember that I am clueless. I need good explainations/pictures...

Thanks in advance guys! I have really come to love this forum over the last few weeks and am looking forward to really getting involved in my car and saving some money!

 

I gave you the part # (FelPro part # VS5072R) in the other thread.
The Lincoln LS and Ford Thunderbird use basically the same engine therefore a lot of the parts interchange.

you don't really need a torque wrench, all the gaskets are designed with "spacers" to avoid crushing them.
As soon that the bolts become pretty hard, you have compressed the gasket to the spacers height.
If you use a 1/4 drive with 3 fingers on it, you will get a good feel for the torque, just snug.
There is 1 place on each valve cover were you need to put a dab of sealeant, it is on the front at the junction of the heads and front timing cover.
You will see the sealant from the factory.
You can contact me at lucnoel@aol.com if you need any more help

 

Of course, the AJ26 and AJ27 engines use different gasket sets. I don't know them by part numbers, but they are different. The OP has an AJ27 engine, as Luc's is, so the number is probably correct.

 

Thanks guys. Sorry luc...I'm embarrassed that I didn't see that on your first reply...

 

Hi
Here are 2 PDF files - The removal and reinstall instructions and photo images were extracted from another larger PDF file on the - blackonyx timing chain - which is a 68 page DIY on secondary and primary timing chains & tensionsers:

jaguar blackonyx remove valve covers.pdf

jaguar blackonyx reinstall valve covers.pdf

Jim Lombardi

 

Two quick things, be extremely careful nothing finds its way into the cylinder heads when you have the valve covers off, secondly the easiest way to displace the dipstick tube is with a pair of small jawed needle nose vice grips. If you have an 03, it's an AJ27 so make sure your VVT and MAF meter pig tails are accounted for before you tighten the cam covers down (ok I guess that's 3 things)!

 

Hi
I also have started a new thread on the Valve (Cam) Covers R&I that shows the Jaguar JTIS21 instructions and illustrations, Here is the weblink to the thread:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...96/#post455820

Jim Lombardi

 

Wow. You guys have really set me on my way. I'm gathering my supplies and getting ready to do this! Just have to wait for the gasket to come in the mail...