Hello
Thread Starter
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Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Southam Warwickshire
Hello
Hi everyone,
I am a recent new member having purchased a 2003 V8 S-type back in November.
I used to work for Jaguar in the prototype development area and was fully active on the S-Type during it's development period so have a good knowledge of the vehicle.
I had my first let down a couple of weeks ago. The "Engine Coolant Low" warning appeared just before I arrived home. Could't find anything obvious under the bonnet although the coolant was indeed low.
Further investigation on the ramp revealed cooolant running down the transmission bell housing prompting initial fears of heater pipes. However, further investigation using a borescope revealed that the leak was in the vee at the front running back along the engine and down the bell housing.
The infamous "Valley Pipe" from the engine outlet to the throttle body.
Although a pain in that the inlet manifold had to be removed it was a lot less work than if it had been heater pipes.
I was quite pleased with the cost of replacement parts - £16 for the pipe and a tenner each for manifold gaskets from a Jag dealership.
Other than that little problem I am loving the car. I know the S-Type is not everbody's favourite but I find the driving experience very satisfying. Fuel economy is not horrendous, I am getting around 24 mpg using it daily for travel to work (at Aston Martin - dirty job, someone has to do it!) 13 miles each way.
I am a recent new member having purchased a 2003 V8 S-type back in November.
I used to work for Jaguar in the prototype development area and was fully active on the S-Type during it's development period so have a good knowledge of the vehicle.
I had my first let down a couple of weeks ago. The "Engine Coolant Low" warning appeared just before I arrived home. Could't find anything obvious under the bonnet although the coolant was indeed low.
Further investigation on the ramp revealed cooolant running down the transmission bell housing prompting initial fears of heater pipes. However, further investigation using a borescope revealed that the leak was in the vee at the front running back along the engine and down the bell housing.
The infamous "Valley Pipe" from the engine outlet to the throttle body.
Although a pain in that the inlet manifold had to be removed it was a lot less work than if it had been heater pipes.
I was quite pleased with the cost of replacement parts - £16 for the pipe and a tenner each for manifold gaskets from a Jag dealership.
Other than that little problem I am loving the car. I know the S-Type is not everbody's favourite but I find the driving experience very satisfying. Fuel economy is not horrendous, I am getting around 24 mpg using it daily for travel to work (at Aston Martin - dirty job, someone has to do it!) 13 miles each way.
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 120,439
Likes: 17,004
From: Durham, UK
Welcome to the forum cgolds,
The motor industry in the Midlands has certainly had dramatic changes in your working life so far!
Your inside knowledge will be welcome on the S-Type section.
Remember to add vehicle details to your Signature to help others to give relevant advice. Go to the User ID button on the left of the top menu bar, then Settings & Options under Your Control Panel. Select Edit Signature and enter the details.
Graham
The motor industry in the Midlands has certainly had dramatic changes in your working life so far!
Your inside knowledge will be welcome on the S-Type section.
Remember to add vehicle details to your Signature to help others to give relevant advice. Go to the User ID button on the left of the top menu bar, then Settings & Options under Your Control Panel. Select Edit Signature and enter the details.
Graham
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 120,984
Likes: 6,648
From: PHX some of the time
Thread Starter
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Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Southam Warwickshire
Certainly am glad there was not a supercharger to remove.
I have been in motor vehicle development with Jaguar & Aston Martin for the past 25 years so have endured the roller coaster ride that is the motor industry. Thankfully it seems to be on the up at present.
I have been in motor vehicle development with Jaguar & Aston Martin for the past 25 years so have endured the roller coaster ride that is the motor industry. Thankfully it seems to be on the up at present.
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 120,439
Likes: 17,004
From: Durham, UK
Graham
Hey there cgolds & welcome aboard, good to have you here with us
As a development engineer with Jaguar and now with Aston Martin, I feel sure you'll be a great asset to the forum.....I'm sure we can help you too with some of our great DIYers and excellent techs
There's a really great mix of information, camraderrie and fun
here..... If you haven't done so already you should add your car details to your signature to help others to help you.
I have manually upgraded you to full forum access so you can better view the whole site and all its features
Please Jump on in and enjoy the site.................