I have a 1998 X308 3.2 Sport (90000km, third owner)
I have searched the log books, but they don't explicitly say the tensioners were changed.
Was this mod a 'dealer fix' directed by Jag or was it left to the owners to instigate?
My XJ is running sweetly, no rattles or dodgy noises, but the lingering unknown concerns me

 

The tensioner problem was never a 'recall' but Jaguar issued a TSB indicating that replacement under warranty or otherwise was the solution to customer complaints of noise at start up. The tensioner failures are very real and the results are usually engine replacement.

Jaguar's first solution to failing plastic tensioners was to add an external spring that held tension on the chains after cracks released oil pressure. That only served to hide the start up 'rattle' that proved to be a warning of pending failure and the new version failed as reliability as the original.

Many early cars had the original tensioners replaced with the second generation spring assisted plastic versions and these were still in stock and installed long after the conversion to metal in mid-'01. The plastic tensioners were still being sold on eBay as late as '10.

Remove the valve covers and do a physical inspection as soon as possible. The possibility of losing your engine should certainly concern you.

. . . and welcome to the forum! Some moderator is going to come along shortly and ask that you introduce yourself in the
New Member Area - Intro a MUST

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/n...-intro-must-5/

 

Welcome!

I 100% agree with Test Point. If you can't prove they were done, pull the covers!

I changed mine on my 2000 XKR in 2011, with 68k miles on the car and they had very bad cracking and the slipper was loose on one. Dealer babied car owned by a lawyer since new. I saved the old ones in a bag, I saved receipts, and I show photos of my car with the parts installed. I know it's a little overkill on the documentation, but I know the next owner down the road will appreciate it.

 

Thanks guys.
As I have no documentation to prove the tensioners were changed, off come the covers.
Really appreciate the quick response