I have just completed cam cover and thermostat renewal on my 1998 XJ8. During the repairs I found the right bank cam tensioner collapsed. I changed it out and completed the repairs.
Now on start up after sitting overnight I get the engine rattle. If started again anytime during the day no rattle. It does not seem to matter if driven a short distance and restarted or if it has sat for a few hours and restarted (no rattle).
I thought that I had read somewhere even with new style tensioners that they some times rattle.
Please thoughts and opinions.


Vern
___________
1997 XK8
1998 XJ8

 

they never should rattle the oil pressure shouldnt bleed off in the new style tensioners

 

The upper tensioner has a left and right bank part number. The L or R is stamped on the actual part. Left is US driver side. Some people mistakenly believe that directional references magically change because they are looking at it from a different viewpoint. It does not.

There is a orange tipped "grenade pin" that holds the piston back during installation. It must be pulled out and discarded in order for the piston to move.

The new style takes a shorter bolt if you went from the plastic to the recommended metal type. If the old longer bolt was used, the oil passage between the tensioner and the cylinder head will not be able to seal.

Finally, if you had the plastic type on one side, you should also do the other side to make sure you have the metal type on both sides.

 

The original reason for going into the cam covers was for an oil leak. Found both secondary tensioners were metal. The right bank tensioner was collapsed and the change was slack. I could extend the tensioner by finger pressure and could retract it. I ordered right bank tensioner and replaced the fasteners with 35mm since the original fasteners broke while at half torque.
When i pulled the pin on the new tensioner the chain went tight. The one I removed had no spring pressure.
Perplexed!!

Vern
_______
1998 XJ8
1997 XK8

 

How long does the rattle last? Mine made a rattle upon start up from cold, but it was only for a 1/2 second or so. A friend mentioned how important it was to get the correct torque settings on the camshaft bearing caps. I had over tightened mine a tad bit just because I was naive. After loosening the bolts and re tightening to the correct torque settings, the brief rattle on start never occurred again.

 

The engine rattles for about 3 to 5 seconds until he oil indicator goes off. Only rattles after being left overnight. Does anyone know if the tensioner extends further with oil pressure that spring pressure. If so I am thinking stretched chain on right bank.

 

Plums suggested that it was installed with the old type longer bolts, allowing the oil to drain when the engine is not running. Did you confirm that the correct bolts were used?
RJ_____________
97 XK8 Conv 85K mi

 

There are primary tensioners also!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

bob gauff