Just had my first good ride since acquiring 99 xk8. Had to replace all shocks, mounts, and bushings. Replaced plugs and one coil pack today and cleared all codes. Runs and rides like a dream. Soon to replace tensioners and trans fluid and filter.

 

Welcome aboard the wonderful world of Jaguar!

o o o o o o h . . . do the tensioners quickly

 

I would make tensioner job PRIORITY. Chances are rather good when you get in there something will be breaking already, just ready to go POP.

 

I will be doing tensioners very soon. Can anyone tell me how to tell what model trans I have?

 

+1 on tensioner. My 1998 was subject to the "defective" run of factory installed water pumps with the black plastic impellers. They do disintegrate. You may want to research , there is a TSB on this. My memory is that 1999 was part of this.

Current water pumps also use black plastic impellers too. They are OK. Certainly not as worrisome as tensioners but just don't want you to have a surprise in this summer heat.

 

ZF 5HP24 (NA models) 1997-2002

 

Can I suggest that you at least check the tensioners now, or immediately, if not sooner, or even before that.

Taking the right side cam cover off is very easy. Just remove the air filter and tubing first. Then check to see if the tensioner is plastic or metal. If they're the original plastic, they will be cracked, but might be just be hanging together. Hopefully the PO already replaced them. The left side cover is hassle as the dip-stick tube is a pain and requires 'dremeling' the stud off above the dipstick tube fixing nut to get the cover off.

My '99 4.0 NA V8 was running just fine, but I decided to check the tensioners before starting it after having replaced the front subframe. It was so tempting to just take it for an M.O.T test.

I 'just' got away with it. The right side secondary chain was eating into the steel where the plastic slipper used to be. Most of the plastic slipper was in the oil pick-up strainer inside the sump, but some was in the timing chain cover. Close to being very expensive.

As it was, I decided to do the head gaskets and valve guide seals at the same time, and didn't get much change from £1,000 in parts. What was also odd was the poor state of the exhaust valves, although a very light touch with the valve grinding paste brought them back.

Did I mention it might be good to check the tensioners quite soon? Like before starting the engine ever again? You won't regret it.

And it'll give you peace of mind when driving, rather than wondering quite if and when the engine might decide it likes the idea of a new career as a boat anchor.

Good luck.

 

Has anyone suggested that chain tensioners have destroyed many an engine.

Seriously, everyone that has checked has found the tensioners in some state of failure. Failure means bent valves.