Think I’ve heard the V8 “Death Rattle”

[fergus_tg]

Hi all

Referring to broadbean747's legendary post, I am now pretty sure that my 127,000 mile 1998 XJ8 has worn timing chain tensioners (it has the earliest type according to the engine number), as there is a distinct rattle at start up that disappears after a couple of seconds. I understand what is needed to fix this, but I was wondering if anyone has any idea how long the engine will last in its current state, days, weeks, months, years?

I like my cars to be perfect and TBH I’m a little apprehensive of cold starts now.

Also anyone had the job done by a good independent, and at what sort of cost?

Thanks for any advice

F

[fergus_tg]

Ok thanks guys. I'll not be using it this weekend then..!

I'm based in Chiswick, West London so was considering giving Millenneium in Croydon a call and do a search through the postings on here for a recommendation. Unless there's someone else I should consider?

The chap I use for the routine stuff is good but isn't a Jaguar specialist and I'd prefer to use someone who's done this a few times before.