I have a 2000 VDP and the front of the motor has a rythmic ticking sound. Four quick ticks, slight pause and then 4 more ticks. Ticking sound keeps repeating. Never gets louder, never goes away. Does it when engine cold, or warm. Any ideas?

 

Is it safe to assume it speeds up with an rpm increase?
From the many posts I have read regarding tensioners, it seems like there has been lots of variations to the chain noise. Mine was pretty much silent until it skipped a tooth. I was lucky. If you do not have an engine stethoscope, they are inexpensive and can be found at most auto part stores. Try putting the probe onto the cam cover bolts at the top front, and then perhaps listen back to the rear of the cover to get a sense for the source of the ticking. If it is coming from inside the timing cover or up front on the cam cover, you will probably want to pull the covers and have a look at the tensioners. The stethoscope will help you confirm which bank is loudest.

 

The Viariable Valve Timing units are famous for producing ticking at idle to 1000+ rpm. Repair is usually to move to a higher weight oil or the addition of a thickener such as 'Restore'. The 'Restore' is a simple, cheap solution that will not hurt anything if it doesn't make the issue go away.

 

Our past XJR (2004), and present XJ8 (1998) and XJR (2005) all tick a little, especially when cold. After they warm up the ticks go away, at least mine do... The XJRs we've had/have always seem to tick. I have some lucas oil stabilizer stuff in my XJ8, so it might be helping it overcome the tick at higher temps, who knows though... I would try some 'restore' or a higher weight oil like test point suggested. I would also refer to your manual and see what it says to use based on your local temperatures (noticed you were in Alberta).

 

Actually, I am the one in Alberta, Keltam is in South Carolina.

One thing on this, we are pointing fingers at the chains, as they certainly are well known to make noise, however who knows what it is in reality. Keltam can investigate if he likes DIY activity.

Mine is an XJR, so it does not have VVT, but certainly it could be the issue on an XJ8. If the oil additive can remedy the problem, it would be easier than pulling the cam covers to start off.

With my car, replacing the secondary tensioner was not enough to cure the problem and I ended up replacing all of the chains, guides and tensioners. That took care of the ticking, and it has been very quiet since then.

The repeating pattern of 4 ticks, pause 4 ticks is not something I have experienced, so it could be something entirely different. That is why I suggested getting a stethoscope to try to get a better idea as to where the noise is being generated from.

Good luck in getting the correct diagnosis and cure Keltam. Once you solve it, let us know. Some of the more experienced members and certified techs may know about that sound pattern, but I can only make the suggestions above and wish you well

 

In many cars, not just Jags, a "ticking" sound often comes from sticking hydraulic valve lifters. For not much money, one can try one of those "frees sticking lifters" potions sold at auto parts stores.

 

Well, Boomer your are quire right for "many cars". BUT, the XJ8 has solid lifters!

 

You got me there! I guess I won't have to worry about ever changing them, then.

 

I have 2 videos on my belt tensioner listen to video 2 and see if it is the same sound Belt Tentioner

 

Thanks for the advice. Put in a can of restore and the ticking sound is gone. I am still worried about the tensioners. Based on my research, my engine number and VIN number indicates my car has the 2nd generation tensioners. Should I still be worried. Passing this car to my son(16 Years old). NOt sure he will listen @ start up like I always did.

 

Yes, you should be worried. If your car was built before late August, 2001. then it has plastic tensioners and they need to be replaced- regardless of mileage, what kind of oil you run, whether you only drive it on Sunday afternoon, or all of the other excuses people in denial use to justify not doing the job.

 

Only one way to tell if they were replaced... You need to pull the valve covers.

 

OK-so I don't get tossed from the forum for not being a proper Jag owner, let me say car is in the shop to get the tensioner upgrade. I will post back picks of the old tensioners once they are out. Thanks to everyone for the advice.

 

. . . oh!

We had hoped that you would DIY. If you would try spark plugs you can do tensioners. Your son would have been happy to have helped!

Us of the DIY clan.

 

Keltam-
I'm with testpoint all the way about doing it yourself; BUT, at least you got it handlled instead of finding excuses to not get it done

 

Normally, we are DIY guys. My local Jag guy(independent) is doing both tensioners for 600$. This includes the parts and replacing spark plugs I purchased. It should be ready Wednesday. I have done alot on this car, but I am working weekends a lot now, and would rather get it sorted so Jr. can get back on the road. I didn't want him driving it until they were replaced.

 

Yeah, I would say I might go for it at $600. myself. Yout time is worth something!

 

Doing all 4.... What a JOB! The DIY manual makes it look so easy . Is your local mechanic doing all 4 or the 2 secondaries?

 

Just the 2 secondaries.

 

Just got the car back from the mechanic. Right side had upgraded tensioner, left side had old style tensioner. The old style was basically trash. It had worn all of the plastic away and was making grooves in the metal. It was cracked and seperated in two pieces. They picked all of the pieces(3) out of the motor. The new style tensioner looked like a new part. Please get this done if you can do it or afford it. Hard to believe mine was that bad. I changed the oil and filter for the past 3 years religiously. Must not make any difference. CHANGE THE TENSIONERS.