Cam chain tensioner

I've got a 2001 (UK W-reg) XJ8 3.2 with 91,000 miles on the clock.

Of course, I've heard about the risks of the cam chain tensioner failing
(and I believe there's a water pump weakness, too, is that right?).

Can anyone give me an idea of what the actual chances of a tensioner failure
are? I mean, is it pretty well guaranteed to happen to every car that
doesn't have the new type fitted? Or one in ten?

I ask because it's a damned expensive job to get a new one fitted, so I need
to make a judgement on whether the costs outweigh the risks.

Also, do I need to worry about the Nikasil problem?

Any thoughts gratefully received.

Thanks,

SteveT

I don't own a V8 Jag, but I've been thinking about it (I have an XJ40
and a V12 XJS).
The owner of the independent specialty shop where I have my Jags
serviced told me it is an
issue that WILL occur sooner or later in early V8's (not likely prior to
about 50K miles)
and that it costs about US$1800 to fix.
He says it generally gives ample warning before a catastrophic failure,
that he can listen for
a growl at the front of the engine that tells him the failure is in the
early stages.
He does not tell his customers to automatically make the change, but to
be aware that
it has to be done and budget for it, meanwhile checking for strange
engine noise.
He suggested I look for a 2002 model to avoid the problem.

But, I think the chain tensioner problem was corrected late in the 2001
model year,
so you might want to check with a Jaguar dealer (or search the internet)
to find out what
serial number marked the change, perhaps your car already has the fix.

I can't help with the other issues, but I'd assume a Nikasil problem
would show up prior
to 91K miles; also, if you DO have the tensioner work done, seems
prudent to replace the
water pump whilst it's torn apart... chances are the water pump has
already been changed
considering your mileage.

Steve Thackery wrote:
> I've got a 2001 (UK W-reg) XJ8 3.2 with 91,000 miles on the clock.
>
> Of course, I've heard about the risks of the cam chain tensioner failing
> (and I believe there's a water pump weakness, too, is that right?).
>
> Can anyone give me an idea of what the actual chances of a tensioner
> failure are? I mean, is it pretty well guaranteed to happen to every
> car that doesn't have the new type fitted? Or one in ten?
>
> I ask because it's a damned expensive job to get a new one fitted, so I
> need to make a judgement on whether the costs outweigh the risks.
>
> Also, do I need to worry about the Nikasil problem?
>
> Any thoughts gratefully received.
>
> Thanks,
>
> SteveT