Just How Bad is the 5.0ltr Timing Chain Problem?

The 5.0ltr V8 engine, as fitted to the Range Rover L322, has got a bad reputation for timing chain drama -- and in this video I explain exactly how the timing chains work and why they fail. In addition, I briefly discuss how to help extend the life of the chains if you haven't changed them out and what can go wrong if they fail completely.

The video includes an example of the sound of a healthy engine and a look at the components that fail. The engines don't always give up, and I know several vehicles personally that are approaching 1/2 a million miles on the original chains -- including my own 2011! However, JLR has lost a class action lawsuit on the chain failures and has, allegedly, resolved the issue on newer engines (meaning that vehicles fitted post 2013 should not have any issue with the chain guides).

A potential for failing chains, however, is not enough reason to not buy a 2010-2012 model L322. These are amongst the best vehicles Land Rover has ever produced, and models without the timing chains replaced are often available for significantly less than models that have had the work done (meaning that you can buy them and have the work done for peace of mind if you so choose).

The timing chain issue was allegedly resolved fro owners of the AJ-V6, which is essentially the same block as the V8. However, I do know of several of those whose chains have failed -- despite having the later, upgraded design, timing chain guides.



--------- Contents of the Video --------------

0:00 - Opening Credits
0:26 - Introduction
1:25 - The Benefits of Checking the Vehicle Over When You Work on It
2:30 - The Various Petrol Engine Options in an L322
7:09 - How Timing Chains Work
11:53 - What Causes Them to Fail
13:43 - The Class-action Lawsuit
15:55 - Land Rover's Technical Bulletin & How to prevent Against Failure
20:00 - One Way to know if Your Timing Chains are Stretched
22:15 - How a 5.0ltr Direct Injection Engine Should Sound
22:55 - Conclusion
24:14 - End Credits



The intro and outro are from: EEAAEA

Performed by: VVibeTrix (Johanna Ahola-Launonen, Maarit Laihonen, Matti Häyry, Mikaela Mansikkala, Satu Haiko)

Music: Matti Häyry
Lyrics: Matti Häyry
Arrangement: Matti Häyry, Mikaela Mansikkala, Lacce Väyrynen
Recording: Matti Häyry, Lacce Väyrynen
Studio engineering: Matti Häyry, Lacce Väyrynen
Producer: Lacce Väyrynen
Executive producer: Matti Häyry
Mastering: Kesthouse

With Permission from: (c) Matti Häyry and Polite Bystander Productions 2019