Hi, quick question for those in the know and been through the timing chains issue on the 5.0 SC. I've been through the various threads but I've not found a black & white answer,

I'm looking at trading in my 4.4 TDV8 Westie for this 2012 5.0 SC, it's done some 80k miles and had timing chains done at 60k accoridng to the owner (apparently has the paperwork to prove it).

Question: is this timing chains replacement and works done to fix that known problem something that will come back in another 30k miles or is the work done generally many more miles before it has to be done again ?

I'm not doing the miles I used to do hence considering moving back to petrol, but I don't want to take that chance if another £7k bill just around the corner if it has to be done every 50k.

Many thanks in advance.

Andy Fuji White / Jet 2012 4.4 TDV8 Westminster

As long as they used the latest tensioners & guides with the hardened ‘button’ (check the part numbers used if possible) it should be good for many miles. Bear in mind the engine is notoriously tappety sounding even when there are no issues with the chains, due to the direct injection. Jonathan

2010 L322 5.0 SC Autobiography Black
2007 Defender 90 XS Hardtop

Mines done approx 90,000 miles (not a typo 😁) since it had a new engine, apparently with the upgraded internals.
Mileages for replacement do seem to be all over the place, but 60,000 sounds quite early so why was that? Less maintenance to cause to go early?
Also, supercharger (coupler) will make a noise if worn.
Happy for you to have a poke around mine as we might not be too far part.

HTH
Alex 2010 Supercharged

The chain was replaced as it had non hardened guides in, not because it wears out all the time...

This is the old one, above, with a lot of wear, and the new one, below, which has a hardened seat fitted.. So once it is done, it is done...

Many thanks for that, much appreciated.

I'll try to get a look at the worksheet, I've not seen it myself so don't know who did it either.

Cheers, Andy Fuji White / Jet 2012 4.4 TDV8 Westminster

Just out of interest is there a point in time where this stopped being an issue, i.e. the problem was fixed at the factory ?

Andy Fuji White / Jet 2012 4.4 TDV8 Westminster

I understand it was done by time of the change to the L405 so 2013 on factory fit should be good. Mike - MPx

2017 5.0 V8 Supercharged SVAutobigraphy Dynamic SVO Palette Grey (2021-...)
2012 5.0 V8 Supercharged Autoboigraphy Orkney Grey (2017-2021)
2007 4.2 V8 Supercharged Vogue SE Tonga Green (2012-2017)
2002 4.4 V8 Vogue Bonnatti Grey (2008-2012)

That's good to know

MPx wrote:

I understand it was done by time of the change to the L405 so 2013 on factory fit should be good.

Unfortunately this is not entirely correct. In 2013 a redesigned tensioner / guide system was introduced but it did not include the hardened steel button. The tensioner plunger was changed from a stepped end to a flat end and the moveable guide has a slightly widened portion to accommodate the new plunger.

The steel button design was only introduced in late 2014 after which time the guide wear problem was no longer an issue. So the 2013/2014 and some early 2015 cars do still suffer from wear on the guide but at a slower rate due the the wider plunger end.

The photos below show the original and first redesigned guides and all three tensioner designs. (Not shown is the latest guide with the steel button).

Note the bolt position of the latest tensioner design has also changed.

Click image to enlarge

Click image to enlarge

That's all great info everyone as I'm considering a 5.0SC after 3 happy years with my 4.2SC

The search continues... Gavin

2005 Range Rover Vogue SE 4.2 Supercharged V8

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Hi, this is all positive news to me to be honest, it's not scaring me off.

Right now I'm procrastinating as I’m waiting to see how badly we’re going to get burned by Ms Reaves Nov statement.

So I’m going to let this opportunity slide and I’ll probably be back to the forum looking for a sub 90k 2010 to 2012 L322 5.0SC that’s had the work done.

I’ll be happy to pay a over the odds for a rust free, very clean car with all the options, that’s had the chain the works done by a reliable source.

So if anyone’s going to be in the market around then please let me know, but I will put an add in the forum so it's not a done deal. My car's perfect for me just now, but as I'll soon be retiring and not doing any long trips, the diesel might not be the right choice, DPFs etc.

Many thanks for all the feedback, great to hear it's such a well understood issue so not so scarry.

Andy Fuji White / Jet 2012 4.4 TDV8 Westminster