If I were you, I'd get the name of the guy tberg suggested and take your car there; the guy you took it to doesn't seem to know much about engines, let alone Jags.

Mark

 

I totally agree to move the car to the recommended site. That mechanic certainly was not aware of the timing chain problem. Doing a compression check requires turning the engine over with the starter which will make things worse. Remember, we said don't even try to start it (meaning don't turn the engine over with the starter). And that is exactly what he did. Say good bye to him.

Sorry this is a little blunt, but mechanics like this that work on these more advanced cars (not just Jags) and don't know what they are doing really p__s me off. I live in east Texas. A couple of the biggest red neck mechanics you ever saw really know their stuff and know this problem very well. One has all the special tools along with parts in stock. And they are as honest as the day is long.

 

I think the tech you took it to bent your valves .

 

so let's be clear: there are many motors that your guy (I hesitate to call him a mechanic) could have done a compression test on without trouble, even had the timing been incorrect. But many (most?) of today's modern motors are interference motors, and cannot be turned if the timing is off without causing damage.
Any mechanic should know to check before doing this, particularly if you told him the suspicions we had.

Your mechanic undoubtedly caused you some additional expenses for whomever you eventually hire to do the work (please tell me you won't let him touch your car again)

 

Got the valve covers of.The primary timing chain tensioner passenger side was broken along with primary chain.Two of the valves where damaged.The pistons where okay, that is good news.

 

You need to buy a lottery ticket because your luck will never be better. Replacing a couple of valves, along with the timing chain and tensioners will probably cost you maybe $1500, possibly less. A new engine would have cost at least $10k. Just make certain that your mechanic knows Jags. You should have no problem finding some one in LA.

Mark

 

In light of the possibilities that is great to hear. It would be cool to see a picture of the tops of the pistons where the valves were bent when they get to that stage. We don't wish for carnage here, but if it has to happen once in a while we might as well get a look!

 

"...film at eleven".

 

It would be my pleasure to post a few picks of the injured jaguar.I wil do so in the am.Thanks again guys!

 

The only thing I will say is that if the chain was broken the valve damage probably happened straight away, not when the half-wit mechanic cranked it but even so - never go there again.
The Great Leaper in the Sky certainly was smiling down on you.

 

I'm curious as to how they know the pistons are alright when they haven't pulled the head. Is this the same shop that cranked the engine over many times to do a compression check with total timing chain distruction on one side of the engine?

 

OregonJag, you have 186k on your jag. any major problems along the way?

 

Correction there is 100,000 miles on my 2001 XK8. As far as the problems,yes I have had my share.Overheating problems,fuel pump problems,Abs,Modules,sensors,Overflow tank, octopus hose and many other small problems she reminds me of my last girlfreind, easy on the eyes always needing something new very high maintenance and always craving attention! Warning the minute you take your eyes of her look out! God I miss her!

 

Nothing very major. But, I did my homework prior to buying it (thanks to this forum) and picked up one with 120k and the tensioners and transmission already redone. The only major problem I had was with the throttle body. After a few attempts at resurrecting the accelerator pedal position sensor I replaced the TB with a new one I found on Ebay. A year after that it got a new radiator as the plastic tanks and nozzles finally timed out.

It's ridden a flatbed twice for me. Had the heater circuit "octopus" behind the engine let go (plastic check valve) and had the accessory belt tensioner let go on me (they will talk to you if you're listening ).

Front wheel bearings, shocks, and some suspension bushings, but those I consider as normal wear items. Other than that, tires, oil, and gas.

Mike

 

Well I had the valves replaced,head gaskets,water pump and thermostat, all timing chains and upgraded the tensioners.What else could go wrong? Now the car will start great in the morning and run fine,that is until you turn her off and try to restart.The car will not restart until it has sat for about an hour.I have already replaced the fuel pump so that is not the problem.Any ideas?

 

Problem resolved! I decided to check the water in the battery,it took 22oz.The jag starts like clockwork now!BTW in my earlier post's I had asked about getting the code for my radio,I called one dealer who told me I had to remove the radio and bring it to the dealership,he said they had to have the serial code of the radio!I called another dealership and they gave me the code over the phone in two minutes!

 

All they need is the last six digits of your chassis number, even I could give it to you from 5000 miles away.... Always makes me wonder the competence of any dealership when they do not know how to do such a simple task