Jaguar XK8 Timing chain, tensioners and guides replacement - what is involved? EP48 XKR (X100)

Episode 48. A quick run-through of what’s involved in changing the timing gear of your Jaguar XK8, V8, AJ-V8 engine. From the start checking right through the completion and starting the engine. This video references all the more detailed videos of each stage of the process with QR code links.

The link to the playlist of all the timing chain videos is here :
Upgrade cam tensioners, guides and chains (Task by task videos of the process I used).

Please 'like' if you like the video by pressing the thumbs up, this is much appreciated.

Part of a series of short videos on the experience with maintaining our owns
1996 Jaguar XK8 4.0 V8 Petrol, 2014 Diesel SUV and 2013 Nissan Leaf 80Kw Electric car.

This is not an official guide and is for general information and interest only.

We Current have lots of useful playlists on the O&DR Jaguar XK8 Channel for these cars.

You can also find us on:-

This is the index with links to videos mentioned
0:00 Introduction

[matthewdavies]

Great video. I'm starting this job this week on an XJ. . Will follow your videos

[kennethtalbott]

this is the ''go to'' video on tackling this timing gear project. brilliant information. thank you. will hopefully put it into practice this coming spring having seen the problems with crumbling tensioners.

[bernardpullon]

Honorary Doctorate for Damian I reckon.

[stephensomersify]

Viewed all the way through. I've done my X308 / AJ*8 full timing chain replacement - (as well as bent valves ) - but now rolling my sleeves up on a 'new to me 3.2 X308 - Old git, UK

[theodavies]

Excellent content.
I have the AJ28 in an S type. Probably similar to know I'll leave it for now.
51k miles with no chain noise.
Did the pump and thermostat upgrade when I found a new expansion tank.

[Jim-fegl]

This is by far the most thorough and well explained video I'd seen! I have 1999 XJ8L and am the orginal owner. I changed the secondary tensioner 3 years ago. Didn't have the nerves to do the guides or primary tensioner. The high torque needed for the crank shaft pulley discouraged me big time. I am going to have to change them eventually. Your videos will help alot. Many thanks for putting all those together!

[woodrimcars]

Great video indeed as I have one to do here in France on a 4.0 XKR.

[UdoIBress]

Hi Damien ... I just saw your video, again a scientific paper. Thanks for that. Now I have to renew my brakes first. after that everything else. 👍

[chrisread]

Thank you so much for the really detailed helpful video! really appreciate these and please keep them going!

[tainchains]

Damian thank you for taking the time to answer and for your videos. We were already talking about bore wear and loss of power on my 2001 Jaguar VDP. I do not have the Aj26 I have the AJ27. So would bore wear still factor in to this? I will try to change the fuel filter and then run injector cleaner. It does sound the bore wear (the noise) when I compare it in a youtube video. I was told I would have to replace the block if thats the case.

[TonyTammadge]

Amazing collection of videos well done, having seen what's involved I do not feel up to the task, plus my tensioners I think have gone so damage to the valves is likely. Do you know anyone who may take this on? or is likely a engine change will be cheaper? Thanks Tony

[tainchains]

Ok. thank you. i am havig the timing done. I had a misfire cylinder 1-4. I'm hoping the timong will correct this. Any thoughts?

[tainchains]

Apologoes for asking for online diagnosis. My X308 was misfiring on cylinders 1-4. Most notably at 50 mph with a sometimes rough idle. It was retimed with a kit. The guy said it had jumped a little. I can still feel a small shudder at 50 mph. Its not nearly as bad. Its very light. I plan to replace the plugs and coils. Any thoughts on the problem being way better but still lightly shuddering at 50 mph?

[lazaro.hazlotumismo.micoch]

Necesito un mecánico en España, si puede ser Madrid mejor, dispuesto a realizar ésta reparación.
Muchas gracias Damián por tus vídeos. Saludos.

[tainchains]

Is it neccesary to replace the harmonic balancer bolt during this repair. I have heard that it is. The problem is we do not have a replacement and I'm not sure how long it will be to get one.

[tainchains]

May I ask, you mentioned a bad cylinder bore could be responsible for my problems. In you experience is that likely the extent of it or is it possible that my piston will be damaged or???

[cavapaslatete]

I am owning for one year an XK8 Cab manufactured in April 2000 with 84000 kms on the odometer (this mileage should be real according to the yearly technical inspection records). So I assume the secondary timing chain tensioners are Rev2 (plastic ones with spring). In order to avoid future troubles, I would like to upgrade those tensioners to Rev3 (metal cylinders ones). The car has now a mileage of 92000 Kms and as a matter of fact, I did not hear so far distribution chain rattling or suspicious noises. I plan to upgrade the distribution but, since it is a quite heavy and compex dismounting/remounting process to make an overall change, for the time being, I'd like to limit the operation to the secondary chain tensioners (the said most subject to problem). From the tutorial EP48 I have watch, l wonder if this can be done by just removing the upper parts of the engine; I mean without desmounting the front carter that gives access to the primary chains, guides and tensioners. Is anyone knowing if this is feasible or not?

[skelejp]

Hello, I have a question.
My auxiliary belt keeps slipping of, on my 00 Super V8.
And my mechanic cannot find the problem, U have any idea?

[tonysuley]

Thank you I will try and do the job myself is it possible just to change the top tensioner

[tainchains]

Hey its me again. I had rhe timing done. But we ordered the wrong oil seal. I ordered a replacement cylinder bore and would like to replace the oil seal when I have it installed. Would you know the part number or oart name for the oil seal on the front of the engine?