Timing chain Tensioner life on 4.2L Engine
#1
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Hi, having had a 1997 XK8 which I replaced the secondary tensioners on, am now wondering if there are any indications that the timing chains, tensioners etc in my present 2003 4.2 are going to be more reliable?
I have 135k on the car, are the update cars with new chain etc lasting longer, should I be thinking of replacement?
I have 135k on the car, are the update cars with new chain etc lasting longer, should I be thinking of replacement?
#3
The following users liked this post:
joesoap (11-17-2017)
#4
#5
![Exclamation](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/images/icons/icon4.gif)
Any Automobile Engine is going to wear....How fast is according to the care given and the operation of the Auto...I would think that a good time to check things such as Tensioners, Timing-Chains, Belts, Water Pumps and other items like that would be around 100,000 Miles or sooner. That should be a good life for these items! The Timing Chains and Tensioners should be replaced by that time also. Therefore, at 135,000 you are stretching it a bit! If you would just think for a minute, what would happen if one of the Tensioners were to give way Today? We're talking Valves, Pistons and all the related Rods and possibly even a cracked Head.....I got caught by one of the Plastic Tensioners back in 1999 and had to replace 3 Valves and 1 Piston. Thank you Jaguar for your help with that! You need to replace all of those items and you should feel more secure about your next 50,000 to 75,000 miles. This, of course, will save you money in the long run! Now that Jaguar won't be there to help.....
I feel that the basic Engine is good for about 200,000 miles but the Chains and things are a stretching it at 100,000............
Back in the 90's when Jaguar designed this basic Engine, BMW was also designing their V8. They choose to use a double Timing Chain rather than the Jag single Chain. I've been told theirs has been more successful over all....could be but who knows in the end? All it takes is one broken link and good bye to everything!
Billy Clyde in Houston
#7
![Exclamation](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/images/icons/icon4.gif)
Hopefully, you apparently didn't have to go through the early 4.0 Liter days and didn't have your Engine destroyed by one of those little Plastic Tensioners! I'm one of the unfortunate ones that did. At the time, I had no idea that it was one of Jaguar's problems and was fortunate that I found out that Jaguar would help me with the problem....It makes you sick when you start-up your Engine and it trashes itself before you can turn the key off.....You never forget it! I still don't trust those little metal ones either, so I have a problem that you don't...
I advise everyone today to change out their Tensioners and Chains and Guides every 100,000 miles......and sooner if you have to go in there for some reason....The Engine is solid for at least 200,000 or so miles but the chain system is the weak link and needs to be watched over...
Billy Clyde in Houston
The following users liked this post:
joesoap (11-17-2017)
Trending Topics
#8
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Thanks Billy, the 1997 I had got its tensioners 2008 just after I bought it. I did it as a precautionary measure but as soon as I saw the old plastic ones with cracks new it was just in time.
I thought the new chain was a different stronger style on 4.2?
I have had a few Mercs with well over 200k on original chains and tensioners, was hoping from similar from the newer 4.2?
I thought the new chain was a different stronger style on 4.2?
I have had a few Mercs with well over 200k on original chains and tensioners, was hoping from similar from the newer 4.2?
#9
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
The 4.2L engines introduced in the XK8 2003MY use Morse Hy-Vo (inverted tooth) primary chains and aluminum bodied chain tensioners, rather than simplex primary chains and plastic bodied tensioners of the original 4.0L.
I was also considering looking at the chains and tesnsioners for mu 2004 but was reassured by this and other forum members.
The following users liked this post:
joesoap (11-17-2017)
#10
#17
#18
#19
#20
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
linconlsv8
S-Type / S type R Supercharged V8 ( X200 )
1
09-17-2014 03:27 AM
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)