I have a 2001 Vanden Plas with 55 thousand kilometres (about 33 thousand miles) on it. The concensus among the Jaguar mechanics I've talked to is that it is not a question of if the timing chain tensioners have to be replaced on the 4.0 liter V8 if this year, it is a question of when -- they are plastic and will fail at some point -- with catastrophic impact. Tell tale sign is a rattling noise from the front of the engine, especially upon startup. One mechanic told me that the earliest he has heard of an engine failing because of this was 72 thousand kilometres (about 42 thousand miles). I have a quote of $2200 Canadian for parts and labour to replace upper/lower chains and tensioners and the water pump, which is also destined to fail in this era Jaguar as it has a plastic impeller. I don't want to put off this repair if it is required. Any comments on this situation?
Alan Strickland Victoria BC Canada