Hi guys
I have owned my My 1998 XK8 since 2001 and currently has
40,00 miles on the clock.All that has been changed in the
time I have owned it is the Throttle Body under warranty &
front wheel bearings. Question is after all this time what
are the signs of possible tensioner failure? And what would
be the approximate cost???
Regards
Bleasie–
Bleasie International Cabriolet Register c/o 92hot@aol.com
GRIMSBY, United Kingdom
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In reply to a message from motorcarman sent Tue 20 Sep 2016:
So from that it could have happened any time over the last
10 year or so - When was the first CHANGE???–
The original message included these comments:
You wake up and try to start the engine. The engine makes a
REALLY bad sound and runs rough.
You try to start it again and then you realize you waited
TOO LONG to replace the timing components.
You already know about the plastic tensioners
so…You have been warned.
good luck.
bob
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In reply to a message from Bleasie sent Wed 21 Sep 2016:
Since a failure can be catastrophic, it is best to be
proactive and change the things. There is no warning of
impending failure. Post failure, your engine is a
collection of scrap metal and your car is good to be parted
out. A new engine costs more than the value of the car.
When I bought my car, the PO had the dealer pull the timing
chain covers and they found the guides were worn out and
one was about to fail. The PO changed the guides as a
condition of sale.–
Grahame Loader 98 XK8 Roadster
Calgary, Canada
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In reply to a message from Bleasie sent Tue 20 Sep 2016:
I bought my '99 XK8 about three years ago, with about
60,000 miles. It ran fine (quiet), but the available info
told me I’d better have the tensioners replaced. Cost
about $2000, but I’m sure glad I did it. The parts that
came out were well on their way to failure.–
Bob Frisby, E-type S2 FHC & '99 XK8
Boise ID, United States
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In reply to a message from Bob Frisby sent Fri 23 Sep 2016:
Hi there!
I bought my 2000 XK8 four years ago with 114K mileage. I
received some records with the car but no mention of having
the tensioners changed. I figured if the engine was running
at 114K, the tensioners MUST have been changed and hoped for
the best. The car now has 175K. How long can I expect the
replacement tensioners to last?
Thanks!
Michael–
Michael Hunter:00 XK8, 90 XJ-S, 85 XJ6, all running, usually
Upper Lake, Ca 95485, United States
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In reply to a message from Big Michael sent Wed 26 Oct 2016:
Have the dealership pull the covers and check the
tensioners. It is cheap insurance. Just because it is
running, is no guarantee that a previous owner did them.–
Grahame Loader 98 XK8 Roadster
Calgary, Canada
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I bought my 2001 coupe about 6 weeks ago and asked the garage I use to look at the tensioners and it was a good move the plastic bits were already failing with loose bits so replaced £250 what a good spend that was! Bernard
I bought a 1997 XK8 with bad tensioners. It ran terrible. The best indication is that the engine will run rough due to the valve timing being off due to slack in the tensioners. As you accelerate and decelerate you might see smooth points as the chain crosses proper timing points. Although I bought the full gasket and 4 tensioner package with special tools etc they were not all needed. After a bit of research I decided to try replacing the upper tensioners first as they are relatively easy. Replacement tensioner parts are easy to get. Took the better part of a day but was not difficult. Parts and tools cost about $500. If you are not running rough don’t bother. If you cant seem to get a smooth run consider it. Do the uppers and if it is still bad decide if you want to get a pro to do the lowers as the are much more difficult and complicated.
Bleasie, when I had mine done in 2004 here in the UK it cost c. £800 for both primary and secondary one to be replaced using the Jaguar method and Special Tooling, IIRC the parts were about a half of the cost so I reckon that might be price it might cost using the Zip Tie method which appears to have proven to work OK.
Judging from the cracks in all of mine then after only 38K miles I’m amazed that yours have lasted this long if indeed they are the original ones, bear in mind even if the bodies stay intact the slippers wear and break up!
Bleasie, I’m glad to hear that you still have that car, it is the finest example I have ever seen.
If you are worried at all, get them changed. You should also be thinking of the 3rd generation water pump and thermostat tower.
Hi Bleasie,
Unfortunately I’ve not seen it in the flesh so to speak, I did follow your concours thread and pictures with great interest and have borrowed some of your pictures to emphasise what can be achieved to others.
Is it still in that condition now or have you given up on that game?
Yes I still have her but due to ill health I have been unable to drive
However due to many kind friends she attended the 20th Anniversary of the XK8
on October the 1st at Gaydon and they arranged for her to be parked in prime position
She still looks fantastic and a credit to all your hard work. Very sorry you haven’t been able to enjoy her yourself and I do hope you get back in the right seat soon.
