Question on if camshaft tool is really needed

[Smudge67]

Hi I'm planning on doing all 4 timming chains and tensioners on my xj8.40 v8.as other day I happen to take rocker cover off to change spark plug boss seals.then I spotted some brown plastic pieces broke up so obviously from the timing chain parts.any way I been looking into what's in volved and see they say to buy a camshaft locking tool but I have in the past just put Tipex marks.so has any one else done it this way if so how did you get on .as the tool kit is £85.00.  And I have just paid 179.00 for the full timming kit from Taiwan.on eBay other sellers wanted 289 and 400..so can I have some advice plz on not using locking tool.

 

[JOE-DOT-COM]

Hi

The timing tools certainly help, as the hold everthing in place as the chains come off

but as long as you mark everything up, it should be possible,

have a look here and make your own mind up

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TuxQxwL2WA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrde82D-rc0

some jaguar places rent there timing tools out, might be worth phoning round 

cheers

Joe

[Smudge67]

Hi Joe.so if I put the locking tools on will they allow me to get the chains off and put new ones on.because in the past I normally have to turn crank slightly to line the teeth up to fit in chains.i have looked at the videos and other ones but have not found one actually showing some one taking the chains off.so once locking tools in place will everything just bolt off easily.