How long do X308 XJR timing chains last?

Would you recommend replacement @ 150K miles?

 

That depends on how hard they've been run and any guide/tensioner failures which can create looseness. Have you had your tensioners done? If yes, you should be good, use an engine stethoscope and listen as it runs. It should be a smooth gear action you hear (kind of a smooth gurgley sound). If no for the tensioners, then it wouldn't hurt to replace both at the same time. You usually buy them together anyways.

 

I commute in London stop start for 45 mins each way.. need the acceleration to overtake Red Busses. Rattle on startup only and slight ticking on idle. Do the chains wear?

 

Hey Peter, ...as stated, that depends...I'll ask the same, have you had your tensioners done? As for the rattle that is present, I'd be concerned that the chains may be tearing on something and putting filings down into the pan.

But I'm going to ask a seeming odd Q since I don't know what year you have (it'd be nice if you put it in your sig for our quick reference). Do you have the updated oil dipstick? It should read XR83-6752-AC...this increased the oil capacity by 1 litre (1.06 US quart) for XJ VINs: F00464

 

The tensioners are a disaster waiting to happen if not changed (& the related parts).

(Chains seem good for 200K or so. Tensioners for 20K then risky?)

 

Signature updated. I am going to try and use a USB endoscope thru' the oil filler cap to see the chains and tensioners...

 

If you haven't changed them you're on borrowed time. You could easily be fooled with a poorish view that way.

 

That's not a bad idea Peter, but the valve covers come off rather easily to check them also. You'll also get a better view on the whole tensioner and then you can scope down the primaries and guides from there to. Probably a 30 minute review overall depending on how much looking around you do.
Like JagV8 says, if they aren't done, ...do them. If you need to see what it takes to do tensioners, http://jaguar.blackonyx.net/tech/timingchain.htm

 

Not easy on mine. It also runs on LPG and there are pipes and injectors everywhere.....

 

Ahhhh, you Brits and that LPG....that will booger up the works on this.

 

Find a way. The original stuff will destroy the engine. You're already on borrowed time.

 

Already installed when bought. Only problem is engine light as gas sensors don't like it. Runs fine if Sport button off.



LPG pipes

 

One day I'm going to get rid of the crappy tape and change for this:-

1 x ROLL OF SELF FUSING RUBBER HIGH VOLTAGE TAPE 19mm x 10 AMALGAMATING SEALING | eBay

Self Amalgamating tape is the plumber's secret weapon and the electrician's friend. The tape itself has no adhesive coating, it works simply by amalgamating to itself. Simply remove the protective liner whilst stretching it around the area you want to seal/waterproof and as it tries to constrict back to its original size, it amalgamates to create a waterproof seal. You don't need any technical experience to work this tape, it's ideal for anybody and anybody's toolbox.

 

timing chains are supposed to last a long time, I've had a near 300K miles engine that needed nothing but oil changes. It might be the guides though as many people only address the tensioners. To carry it out fully is a lot more expensive, 4 guides, 4 tensioners, 4 chains, gaskets, crank pulley bolt, etc etc.

 

The chains last OK. The tensioners: no. The guides: no.

 

I need to check it has the multi-link main chain as well. I have had another supercharger refurbished and pulley uprated so the chains can be done, if required, at the same time the supercharger is swapped out. I will have 2 x spare Eaton M112 if anyone needs one before they go on eBay for £400+ each ( some now £450 £600)