Here I go ...
#1
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Starting tomorrow I'm gonna work on the plugs, valve cover gaskets, and secondary tensioners on my 1997 XK8. I have never done anything like this before ... the most I've done is an alternator or water pump. Wish me luck ...
I've watched the videos and read a lot, and will do a bit more before I start. If there are any things I need to know or watch out for that you guys can think of, please let me know. Much appreciated!
PKB
I've watched the videos and read a lot, and will do a bit more before I start. If there are any things I need to know or watch out for that you guys can think of, please let me know. Much appreciated!
PKB
#2
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If you can do the water pump, you can do tensioners.
Take your time, zip tie method I am assuming here, right? s-l-o-w-l-y loosen the cam caps evenly (I use a criss-cross pattern) and make sure the cam is dislodged from it's home before finishing the last 10% of the cam cap bolts- it sometimes likes to "pop" up and needs a little persuasion. be careful with the breather hoses (full and part load) they tend to be brittle. Also a good time to clean out the part load breather hole while the cam covers are off. Don't forget the dab of sealant where the timing cover meets the head before installing the cam covers.
Take your time, zip tie method I am assuming here, right? s-l-o-w-l-y loosen the cam caps evenly (I use a criss-cross pattern) and make sure the cam is dislodged from it's home before finishing the last 10% of the cam cap bolts- it sometimes likes to "pop" up and needs a little persuasion. be careful with the breather hoses (full and part load) they tend to be brittle. Also a good time to clean out the part load breather hole while the cam covers are off. Don't forget the dab of sealant where the timing cover meets the head before installing the cam covers.
#4
#5
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The fuel injection relay is a safer choice to remove because the car may start on residual fuel in the system otherwise.
#7
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If the hydraulic tensioners are not pre-pressurized with oil before the car starts for the first time with new tensioners, the chain may skip a tooth.
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GordoCatCar (06-21-2013)
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#8
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#9
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Hi all -
Here it is the 1st of December and I finally was able to get a start on this project. Back in June a few days after I planned to start, my father was diagnosed with cancer; since then I haven't had time to get back to this, but here I am now.
I'm in the process of removing the drivers side valve cover. It is slow going because I'm trying to remove as little as possible. The coil pack closest to toward the cab on the drivers side - it is soaked in oil, as were all of them - I'm not sure why but this one appears to have rust on it -
![](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/attachments/xk8-xkr-x100-17/64408-here-i-go-img_8154.jpg?dateline=1385924349)
I have a few questions. They are I think pretty easy for those who have done this before. First, how do I get these little clips off without breaking them?
![](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/attachments/xk8-xkr-x100-17/64409-here-i-go-img_8168.jpg?dateline=1385924349)
Second, here's another clip that I am struggling with. A lot of plastic is brittle and I've broken a few already. How does this come off?![](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/attachments/xk8-xkr-x100-17/64410-here-i-go-img_8166.jpg?dateline=1385924349)
Third - what is this and what does it do? I haven't removed it yet but I have to in order to get to the last couple of bolts.![](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/attachments/xk8-xkr-x100-17/64411-here-i-go-img_8163.jpg?dateline=1385924349)
Thanks all -
PKB
Here it is the 1st of December and I finally was able to get a start on this project. Back in June a few days after I planned to start, my father was diagnosed with cancer; since then I haven't had time to get back to this, but here I am now.
I'm in the process of removing the drivers side valve cover. It is slow going because I'm trying to remove as little as possible. The coil pack closest to toward the cab on the drivers side - it is soaked in oil, as were all of them - I'm not sure why but this one appears to have rust on it -
![](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/attachments/xk8-xkr-x100-17/64408-here-i-go-img_8154.jpg?dateline=1385924349)
I have a few questions. They are I think pretty easy for those who have done this before. First, how do I get these little clips off without breaking them?
![](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/attachments/xk8-xkr-x100-17/64409-here-i-go-img_8168.jpg?dateline=1385924349)
Second, here's another clip that I am struggling with. A lot of plastic is brittle and I've broken a few already. How does this come off?
![](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/attachments/xk8-xkr-x100-17/64410-here-i-go-img_8166.jpg?dateline=1385924349)
Third - what is this and what does it do? I haven't removed it yet but I have to in order to get to the last couple of bolts.
![](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/attachments/xk8-xkr-x100-17/64411-here-i-go-img_8163.jpg?dateline=1385924349)
Thanks all -
PKB
#10
#11
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Get a u-joint for your ¼ inch drive and patience.
(The floppy kind)
Over here we call them borrachitos. (Little drunkards)
![](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/attachments/xk8-xkr-x100-17/64412-here-i-go-41jidsxfxxl.jpg?dateline=1385929793)
As for the other questions:
1. Most of mine either came off on their own or they broke. Didn't find a way to avoid damage there.
2. Oil breather hose. You're supposed to squeeze and gently pull off. Shimmy it like you would a screw, very gently. It's very delicate. The hose connected to that is probably very brittle as well. Try not to destroy it. (It can be mended, I did.)
3. NPI, not a clue. I can't really tell from that shot. Is it connected at the distal end of each valve cover? Me thinks it's connected to a sensor.
Seems like your spark plug seals were shot. That's why your coils are oily. Don't know about the rust. Aliminium engine + rubber coil end. Doesn't add up. My calculator reads error. To me it looks like dirty oil.
Last edited by giandanielxk8; 12-01-2013 at 02:39 PM.
#12
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giandanielxk8 (12-02-2013)
#13
#14
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Thanks - utilizing the u-joint and extension and some finesse and patience as prescribed, I have the cover off now... in the process of cleaning it all up.
I also have the chain zip-tied but not sure ... never mind - found some videos on Youtube - it's easier than I thought. I'm just tender footing around everything I guess.
and
I also have the chain zip-tied but not sure ... never mind - found some videos on Youtube - it's easier than I thought. I'm just tender footing around everything I guess.
and
Last edited by Layla801; 12-01-2013 at 05:45 PM. Reason: wanted to add video links
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reb1999 (08-29-2014)
#15
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#19
#20
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Well folks I am hosed. I had the new tensioner in and everything hand-tightened. I started to torque the tensioner and camshaft bolts down - I didn't get new bolts, I was using the old ones - and broke one tensioner bolt and one camshaft bolt. The threaded ends are stuck in the holes.
Does anyone know a good mechanic (in Houston) who makes house calls?
... and yes, the old tensioner was cracked .. the slipper was there but was brittle and came off in my hands.
Thanks
PKB
Does anyone know a good mechanic (in Houston) who makes house calls?
... and yes, the old tensioner was cracked .. the slipper was there but was brittle and came off in my hands.
Thanks
PKB
Last edited by Layla801; 12-30-2013 at 02:43 PM.