1999 Jaguar XJ8 Engine cooling Problems

“Engine failure `99 Jaguar XJ8 vanden plaas ( lower engine disfunction, due to deficient tensioner malfunction per dealership diagnosis) at 61,400 miles. Vehicle well maintained and checked on numerous occasions. We were sent many warnings and suggestions about other maintenance objectives, but a potential problem with tensioners was never mentioned. We know of well over a hundred cases. One dealer told us they see at least one case like ours a month and suggested that a larger dealership in northern virginia would make their numbers look skimpy. …”

“1999 xj-8 secondary timing chain tensioner catastrophic failure. Plastic secondary timing chain tensioner broke into pieces, disabling engine and causing significant damage. Damage included 3 valves, one constantly variable valve timing unit (cvvt), timing chains and sprockets. Required removal of b bank head for machining necessary to replace valves and repair valve seats. No TSB or recall has been issued by Jaguar with regard to this design deficiency. Contact with other Jaguar owners has identified that this problem affects many owners. …”

“The contact owns a 1999 Jaguar XJ8. The vehicle would not start and the contact took it to the dealer. Because the timing chain tensioner was made of plastic, the plastic shears kept entering into the engine timing chain tensioner. The repair cost over $1,000 and the manufacturer was unable to assist because the vehicle was out of warranty. The current and failure mileages were less than 98,817.”