4.2 How to remove timing chain

[Pianoman]

Hi, ive just had an urgent call from m mechanic and he needs to know how to remove timing chain and where the timing Marks are.. Series 2, 4.2. I know its here on the forum somewhere but I just want to provide with the info that he needs, not what I think he might need as a non mechanic.. Hope that makes sense
thanks

[mgcjag]

Hi....the timming marks are on the crankshaft damper. ..there isnt a set sequence in the service manual or on the forum as far as im aware on how to remove the chain(upper and lower)...there are quite a few very important factors that need to be taken into consideration befor attempting this.....i would be very concerned if your mechanic is haveing to ask these questions......refer to the service manual it has all the information...but it is not a "step by step" how to remove chain.....Steve

[rswaffie]

You might want to print out/download the relevant pages from the Engine Service sections in the manuals in the knowledgebase and give him/her a copy or email it to him/her.

[Pianoman]

thanks, just did that

[tim wood]

I would be asking why the chain needs removing?

Tim

[christopher storey]

If your mechanic has had to ask this question IT IS ABSOLUTELY VITAL that you him that if the head is still on, under no circumstances must either camshaft or the crank be moved or you will get instantly bent valves

[Pianoman]

the head has to come off again basically. I had someone else take the head off earlier in the year and the missed something.I cant exactly say until the head is off for a full diagnosis

[PeterCrespin]

The chains do not need to be removed to lift the head. If the head is placed flat on the bench there is a high risk of inlet valve(s) bending. If either cam is rotated on the bench (or block) with the other cam left in place, valves will be bent. A mechanic unused to the XK could easily cause such damage and knowingly or unwittingly include it in his ‘diagnosis’ of the pre-existing fault, when it was nothing of the sort.

[abowie]

Without wanting to put words in his mouth, it may be that what Peter is saying is that your current mechanic lacks the knowledge or experience to do the job.

Reading between the lines that's what I think too.

[ETTony]

NB if you have the cam chain tensioner renewed, tell your mech to remember to set the tensioner correctly.