THE GAS MENAGERIE

JAGUAR and ROVER Service in the Albany NY area
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 Be aware that the early Jaguar V8 engines used plastic-bodied
   timing chain tensioners that are prone to premature failure.  A new,
   aluminum tensioner was introduced in 2001 and should be retrofitted to
   all earlier cars to avoid costly damage.  See below:
 
 
  

                   2000 XJR with timing chains and tensioners removed for installation of updated versions.
 
 
                       
                                                        Potential consequence of failed V8 timing chain tensioner.
                                                 Head of broken valve embedded in piston and irreparable damage
                                                                                         to cylinder walls.
 
               For a detailed description of this problem, go to:
             
                         http://www.jcna.com/library/tech/tech0028.html   or
 
 
 
  
 
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Another problem with the early V8s was with the water pumps.
They had a tendancy to lose their impeller vanes as indicated
by the arrows in the photo below. Needless to say, without
proper circulation the engine overheats.
The car from which this pump was removed showed just over
67,000 miles on the odometer. It suffered blown
head gaskets and both cylinder heads were warped from the heat.
It also dropped a valve seat as shown in the next photo.
 
 
 
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The consequences of cross-threading or overtightening the oil drain plug.
The fragments on the right are the threads from the aluminum oil pan.
As in this case, the damage may not be evident until the next oil change.
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Clattering noise over irregular road surfaces?  Jaguar upper shock
bushings contribute to the exceptional ride but are prone to
early deterioration. The shock absorbers themselves usually
perform well for several thousands of miles; simply replacing
the bushings will generally restore the smooth and quiet ride.
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Wonder why this XJ-S ran hot? The debris manages to get drawn into the
narrow space between the A/C condensor and the engine oil cooler and
accumulates on the face of the radiator. Mostly hidden from view until
removed from the car, the picture below illustrates the build-up evident
when viewed through grille below front bumper.