Book time/procedure reference needed for upper tensionors

[grizzlyls]

Anyone help me track down the resource I can use to convince these mechanics in my area that there is no need to charge 15 hours to do the upper timing chain tensionors (kit from Christophers)?

It boggles my mind that they cannot see that the book they are looking at doesnt even show these parts, but there is no listing for it. When they click on upper, it brings out the lower primaries and all that you have to do to pull them out.

Christopher lists it as four hours, and if I ask for a valve cover gasket replace job they say 4.5 hours. Hell, I would be happy to pay 5 or 6 at this point.

The other side of this would be if someone knows a mechanic that would price this right for me in the Glendale California area.....

 

[RigsLS]

Cheaper to do it yourself, you'd have to buy the cam locking tool first. I'm about close to getting to this project on my 01 myself. I have all the torque specs from the 1st gen shop manual.

 

[grizzlyls]

I get that, but sadly I dont have the skillset, nor any of the tools or place to do my own work. Was frustrated yesterday, seeing how all of the you tubes and the instructions show how simple it really is for any trained mech. The place i was trusting to do it is highly recommended and P/U and drops off at Disney here. So thought I would try them. They just couldnt get it, wanted to trust the 'book' that gives procedure for the lower primary, and doesnt even show the uppers or secondary chain in the procedure. Anyhow, I found a independent solo Jag guy in Pasadena and he quoted me six hours and knew exactly what I was talking about. Only problem is he stated he is over busy, and wanted me to check in with a shop blocks from him. Not out of the woods yet, but may be. Another large jag shop I tried said on a jag that job is book 7.5, but the Lincoln book was 15, so they didnt want to do because it must be something about a Lincoln. Ha right.

Anyhow, if someone can provide a valid book time/reference still, maybe that will help.

 

[oddball]

Get a short term account for AllData and see if you can find the procedure in there. Most mechanics use AllData to quote work as it aggregates inputs from mechanics on actual time spent.
You might need to find a comparable Jaguar procedure that is shorter and would work.

They might be assuming that the engine has to be removed or something.

 

[grizzlyls]

Thanks oddball. That may very well be the problem book. I think I will contact their customer service and see if they cant freebie be an account for say 48hrs so I can investigate. Other than that, the DIY side looks real nice for the time it gives, 5 years at less than 50 bucks. If I was a DIY I would probably be doing that.

Search Parameters so others can find:

Self-help , DIY , tech manual , specification , torque

 

[1LoudLS]

the old "I don't want to work on it, so I'm going to quote it as high as I can" routine...

I've seen that one a time or two!

 

[grizzlyls]

the old "I don't want to work on it, so I'm going to quote it as high as I can" routine...

I've seen that one a time or two!

Lol, if that was the case then have the cajones to just say so. We all know how easy of a job this is, the real issue is having the tool and skill to lock down the cams. I suppose its good that if they are doing this, that I go elsewhere anyhow, since higher chance they would screw the timing up.

 

[grizzlyls]

Well update on this, Found a Jag specialist in Pasadena talking to him on the phone he was reluctant to do the job, but knew exactly what was to be done - from the top! Only reason for reluctance is being independent he is booked solid for a month! Still, I asked since its not failing now, if I were to wait, what would he charge. 5 hours! Finally a reasonable qoute. Anyhow, he suggested I try another shop couple blocks down the road, and by phone the guy thought I was talking about some Lincoln with the timing chains in the back up against the fire wall. I told him naw, that aint it, and I said I would go by on Saturday since hes open and show him the stuff. When I got there he said oh this car, I have done that, but the engine was out of it and it took like 1 hour. Great so at least he knows. So comparison shopping, I said how many hours you think with it in car? 5 Hours! Sweet, so at least by shopping around I found guys that have a clue. Well, being he knows his stuff too, he still had a back log, but I made an appointment for July 6th anyhow. Like I told him they are fine now, but they have to go, so sooner is better.

Point of all this is if your like me, and have to pay, shop around for a good bit until you find the right place that isnt going to ream you and does good work.

 

[RigsLS]

Tell me something, do you have a cold air intake on that and under load do you hear a slight ticking noise associated with the hard pull RPMs? No ticking noise at idle?

My 01 has the above described and it's currently not being driven. I got to get to ordering that kit and the cam locking tool. All the firewood is out of my garage so I myself is what's holding me up.

I may be selling the 01 so ... gotta get it done, can't sell it like this.

 

[grizzlyls]

Nah Big, my car is all stock. My goal has been to get it to a point that I can trust no issues for another 100k, the Old lady did take care of it, just didnt do any extra stuff. Thats why I am about 99% certain the tensionor is still stock. As for sounds, she purrs like a kitten, but I dont want any risk of ramming a valve in a piston, especially since I am going to do a road trip to Vegas once I feel shes 100%.

Your pretty cool guy to take care of this if you do sell it. I will post some pics once I get the tensionors out - the appointment is July 6th!