Hi all! 

 

I am new to club and are hoping some of you might be able to shed some light on a 98' XJR tha I'm looking to buy. 

She starts and runs fine. However, when it gets warm, a light, constant tapping noise appears when idle. This goes when throttle is applied. The noise then returns when put in park. My dad has said it might be the wrong oil, another has said it could be the tappets but I'm worried it might be something much more serious. 

 

It only starts when the car is warm. Its not loud and is a rather 'tinny' noise. ]

Does anyone have any suggestion on what it might be? 

The car has covered 103,000 miles. 

 

Thanks in advance. 

 

Callum

Upper and lower tensioners would be my first thought. The originals were plastic and had a tendency to crack. A Jaguar independent should be able to help.

Thanks Jim, 

 

I did think that might be a possible reason. The car has extensive paperwork but It doesn't seem to mention anything about the tensioners being replaced. 

Is that an expensive thing to have replaced? 

The car is beautiful and drives wonderful. I'm quite nervous about buying a money pit, which I've heard some many people describe them as. 

 

The tapping noise certainly doesn't sound like a knock or clunk.  Do you think a light tapping noise could be related to the big end bearings?

 

Sorry for the many question. 

 

Thanks, 

 

Callum

I’ve not heard of that engine suffering from bearing failure. I’d put money on the tensioners. They are DIY feasible depending on your ability with the spanners and not that expensive. Top two are the easiest to do. There are plenty of utube videos on how to do it also.

I think you might be right Jim. 

 

What's the worst case scenario to have the chains and tensioners replaced? Some have mentioned circa £1500...