Hi everyone, I need some advice regarding a worrying issue after a timing chain replacement.

I own a Jaguar (2016, 2.0d) and had a slight vibration on cold starts and a very faint ticking noise, mostly noticeable when idling. No fault codes were present — I had the car checked at an independent garage and then again at an official Jaguar service centre. Both said there were no error codes and weren’t 100% sure what the noise was, but the official dealer suspected it might be timing chain-related.

To be safe, I asked them to replace the timing chain. After the replacement, the car now makes a harsh, metallic rasping noise on startup that wasn’t there before. It’s loud and definitely worrying — two mechanics at the dealership have driven the car and confirmed the noise but can’t identify the exact cause yet.

They’ve mentioned it might be oil-related or possibly engine damage caused by the previously loose timing chain.

I’m trying to understand:
 • Has anyone here had a similar issue after changing the timing chain?
 • Could a previously stretched chain really cause hidden engine damage that only became apparent after fitting a new one?
 • Or could this be a result of something done incorrectly during the replacement?

Any advice or experience would be massively appreciated before I go any further with inspections or complaints.

Thanks in advance!

Hi Ivan, I don't have experience or knowledge of the issues you highlight, but as an engineer I am not prone to believe in coincidences, but in cause and effect. 

You state your engine made some ticking noises on start up before the timing chain replacement and now it makes a harsh metallic rasping noise. As an engineer, we always look back at what was undertaken immediately prior to any change in the noise / note. In your case, changing the timing chain has resulted in a noise that should never be present in any mechanical rotating machinery.

Your first port of call should be with the garage that completed the work and they should investigate and correct - at their cost. It could be that something was reinstated incorrectly, or something was left inside the engine - socket, nut, etc.

N6 JMX

if you had tiny rattle at first then the damage was not done then, it was just the beggining of the chain problem. they f it up on replacement as there is no way it got worse after the replacement on it's own.

you might be in for long and winded 'battle' with this one.

i would go and look for 2nd opinion in good independent jag garage. and wouldnt be driving it either as the result might engine failure.