I have a 2004 model XJ8 built late in 2003. It has the 4.2 litre V8. My current mileage is 49,300.

On most cars replacement of the cam chains or belts is recommended at a certain mileage. It is my understanding that motors built for the 2004 model have the cam chain tensioner problem solved, but they are still cam chains.

Many years ago I lost a timing gear on an American V8, which required a new gear and chain, along with a complete set of new pushrods, (it bent the old ones), and a valve job. (Once the heads are off, why not?) This required many $$ that I had not planned on spending. I DO NOT want to have trouble like this on my Jaguar!

So...does any one know if Jaguar has a recommended mileage for maintenence or replacement of these chains?

Thanks,

Tom

 

No maintenance is required.

Jaguar beefed up the design in this area extensively in the 4.2, and the chains are extremely heavy duty, because it was a weakness of the earlier 4.0s.

 

Well, you might need one at 250,000 miles !

Belts are another story of course. On my old Rover 75 with a rather nice V6 engine, there were three timing belts to be replaced at 6 years or 90k miles. My car got to 6 years old ! An expensive job 'twas.

Three belts: -

1 Main belt from crank to the inlet cams
2. Two belts, one each bank at opposite end to main belt, to take drive from inlet cam to exhaust cam !!!

It was still a lovely engine, and sounded like a Yamaha motorbike if you really revved it.