Think I’ve heard the V8 “Death Rattle”
Discussion
Hi all
Referring to broadbean747's legendary post, I am now pretty sure that my 127,000 mile 1998 XJ8 has worn timing chain tensioners (it has the earliest type according to the engine number), as there is a distinct rattle at start up that disappears after a couple of seconds. I understand what is needed to fix this, but I was wondering if anyone has any idea how long the engine will last in its current state, days, weeks, months, years?
I like my cars to be perfect and TBH I’m a little apprehensive of cold starts now.
Also anyone had the job done by a good independent, and at what sort of cost?
Thanks for any advice
F
Referring to broadbean747's legendary post, I am now pretty sure that my 127,000 mile 1998 XJ8 has worn timing chain tensioners (it has the earliest type according to the engine number), as there is a distinct rattle at start up that disappears after a couple of seconds. I understand what is needed to fix this, but I was wondering if anyone has any idea how long the engine will last in its current state, days, weeks, months, years?
I like my cars to be perfect and TBH I’m a little apprehensive of cold starts now.
Also anyone had the job done by a good independent, and at what sort of cost?
Thanks for any advice
F
ive looked into this extensivly before buying my xk8, from what most peole sa,take it that they needed done yesterday because they can fail at any time now and its terminal for the engine im sure, im pretty sure its in the reigon of 1200_1500 to get the chains and top and bottom tensioners done, HTH
Ok thanks guys. I'll not be using it this weekend then..!
I'm based in Chiswick, West London so was considering giving Millenneium in Croydon a call and do a search through the postings on here for a recommendation. Unless there's someone else I should consider?
The chap I use for the routine stuff is good but isn't a Jaguar specialist and I'd prefer to use someone who's done this a few times before.
I'm based in Chiswick, West London so was considering giving Millenneium in Croydon a call and do a search through the postings on here for a recommendation. Unless there's someone else I should consider?
The chap I use for the routine stuff is good but isn't a Jaguar specialist and I'd prefer to use someone who's done this a few times before.
fergus_tg said:
Ok thanks guys. I'll not be using it this weekend then..!
I'm based in Chiswick, West London so was considering giving Millenneium in Croydon a call and do a search through the postings on here for a recommendation. Unless there's someone else I should consider?
The chap I use for the routine stuff is good but isn't a Jaguar specialist and I'd prefer to use someone who's done this a few times before.
Millenium / SJC did my engine swap and have serviced my Jags for over seven years. Never had a problem, good guys.I'm based in Chiswick, West London so was considering giving Millenneium in Croydon a call and do a search through the postings on here for a recommendation. Unless there's someone else I should consider?
The chap I use for the routine stuff is good but isn't a Jaguar specialist and I'd prefer to use someone who's done this a few times before.
Unless all the chains are worn due to poor servicing it's likley you will be able to get away with just changing the secondary tensioners. Providing all the primary and secondary chains are all tight and there are no unususal wear patterns on the sprockets and slippers (guides) then it's a reasonably safe bet.
Obviously you don't know exactly what you're getting into until you or your mechanic has the cam covers off. If you're just changing the secondary tensioners it should cost no more that £3/400. Most mechanics like to play safe and change the lot - which means more money for them too, but it's well worth a thorough assesment before you go ahead.
Secondar tensioners on thier own is actually a easy job to do. You can hire the timing tools from the JEC and the parts will cost you about £100. If you're really mean like me you can usually clean up all the seals and re use them too.
Whatever you do get it done ASAP. If a tensioner fails and the chain jumps or breaks then you'll be lucky to get away without smashing valves into pistons - which is likley to put the car beyond economic repair.
Obviously you don't know exactly what you're getting into until you or your mechanic has the cam covers off. If you're just changing the secondary tensioners it should cost no more that £3/400. Most mechanics like to play safe and change the lot - which means more money for them too, but it's well worth a thorough assesment before you go ahead.
Secondar tensioners on thier own is actually a easy job to do. You can hire the timing tools from the JEC and the parts will cost you about £100. If you're really mean like me you can usually clean up all the seals and re use them too.
Whatever you do get it done ASAP. If a tensioner fails and the chain jumps or breaks then you'll be lucky to get away without smashing valves into pistons - which is likley to put the car beyond economic repair.
[quote=Jaguar steve]Unless all the chains are worn due to poor servicing it's likley you will be able to get away with just changing the secondary tensioners. Providing all the primary and secondary chains are all tight and there are no unususal wear patterns on the sprockets and slippers (guides) then it's a reasonably safe bet.
I would not risk it !! I have seen the amount of damaged guides that have come out of these engines. 137K miles , I think you should change primary and secondaries along with all the guides and chains. NormanD is on his third set at a similar mileage
I would not risk it !! I have seen the amount of damaged guides that have come out of these engines. 137K miles , I think you should change primary and secondaries along with all the guides and chains. NormanD is on his third set at a similar mileage
fergus_tg said:
I'm based in Chiswick, West London so was considering giving Millenneium in Croydon a call and do a search through the postings on here for a recommendation. Unless there's someone else I should consider?
P700DEE said:
Jaguar steve said:
Unless all the chains are worn due to poor servicing it's likley you will be able to get away with just changing the secondary tensioners. Providing all the primary and secondary chains are all tight and there are no unususal wear patterns on the sprockets and slippers (guides) then it's a reasonably safe bet.
I would not risk it !! I have seen the amount of damaged guides that have come out of these engines. 137K miles , I think you should change primary and secondaries along with all the guides and chains. NormanD is on his third set at a similar mileage
Where's the risk? If the guides and chains are seen to be worn once the cam covers are off then obviously change them. If they are all OK - anybody with engine experience should easily be able to tell - IMO leave well alone, save yourself nearly £1000 and spend the money on beer instead. I would not risk it !! I have seen the amount of damaged guides that have come out of these engines. 137K miles , I think you should change primary and secondaries along with all the guides and chains. NormanD is on his third set at a similar mileage
Jaguar steve said:
P700DEE said:
Jaguar steve said:
Unless all the chains are worn due to poor servicing it's likley you will be able to get away with just changing the secondary tensioners. Providing all the primary and secondary chains are all tight and there are no unususal wear patterns on the sprockets and slippers (guides) then it's a reasonably safe bet.
I would not risk it !! I have seen the amount of damaged guides that have come out of these engines. 137K miles , I think you should change primary and secondaries along with all the guides and chains. NormanD is on his third set at a similar mileage
Where's the risk? If the guides and chains are seen to be worn once the cam covers are off then obviously change them. If they are all OK - anybody with engine experience should easily be able to tell - IMO leave well alone, save yourself nearly £1000 and spend the money on beer instead. I would not risk it !! I have seen the amount of damaged guides that have come out of these engines. 137K miles , I think you should change primary and secondaries along with all the guides and chains. NormanD is on his third set at a similar mileage
Actual chain stretch, or severe wear on the slippers, sprockets and guides resulting in the need to replace all the components is always a result of chronic lubrication failure - have a look at the pictures of repairs in progress - the engine is invariably coated with a tarry brown gum which is a classic sign of infrequent oil changing or gross overheating.
TBH, whenever I see an engine in that filthy condition with a substantial amount of wear on the timing gear it starts me wondering what state the rest of the engine is in.
Zippyworld said:
It must be the credit crunch but a Main Stealer in Wilmslow Cheshire called Royles has just quoted me £952 all in for a full fourth generation timing chain tensioner kit to be replaced.
Fourth generation? What's the difference from the third generation and why do they need replacing? 137K miles, I think that if you are taking the engine apart then it would make good sense to do the whole lot. I do not beleive that at this mileage there will have been no wear and with a death rattle the loose chain will most likely have scored the guides. 37K you might indeed get away with just secondaries but I would consider preventative maintenance of any chain based engine by 100K miles
Jaguar steve said:
British Car Parts - around £100 for the two tensioners and new bolts. Gasket set is around £45.
IIRC Berkshire Jag Components sell the whole set for around £380.
I bought mine from the main stealer as I get a discount - came to £107.64 inc vat
Do you have a phone number / web address for British Car Parts please?IIRC Berkshire Jag Components sell the whole set for around £380.
I bought mine from the main stealer as I get a discount - came to £107.64 inc vat
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