XJ8 timing chain tensioners

[GavinPearson]

I thought I had heard a rattle from the timing chain area on my XJ8 and ordered a timing chain kit. I cam to fit it today and found that the LHS secondary tensioner had the plastic pad missing so I imagine I'd be looking for a new engine if I had left it much longer.

Anyway, my question is do most people clean out the sump as well for the plastic pieces that have been shedded or are they typically removed from the sump when the oil is drained?

Advice from those experienced with this repair would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

[Elsdin66]

had mine done on my xk8 some time back, they removed the plastic as the parts could block the oil pick up etc safe than sorry

[melhookv12]

We had one that the tensioner pads failed. The bits blocked the oil pick causing a lack of oil pressure.

It's best to be on the safe side and remove the sump. It's a easy job.