So... I've had my 2003 S Type for a few years and haven't had any major issues at all. Just passed 100,000 miles. I was getting the coolant low warning, but whenever I checked the level was topped off, so I figured it was the sensor. I was just about to put a new tank in when I got a massive leak, like a trail of coolant behind the car! Towed to the garage and got told that the bottle is the only thing NOT leaking, they said the water pump is leaking and "all of the plastic coolant passages" (couldn't be more specific, said I wouldn't understand) need to be replaced. My price $2100. help, please.

 

Maybe I'm being too vague, I basically would love any insight as to what could be the issue and what the consensus is as to the resolution (parts, average cost of repair...) I unfortunately am having a very hard time finding a mechanic in my area as it seems that once they see the leaper their eyes turn to dollar signs.

 

There are many threads describing cooling system repairs to the 4.2 engine. Search the forum using "4.2 engine cooling system repairs" as your search phrase and you will have at least a couple of hours of reading to do. Most of us 4.2 owners (my wife has a 2006 XK8) have done these repairs ourselves using the advice and guidance provided here on the forum. For the sake of your checkbook, I hope you can as well....

 

You've reached the mileage at which the radiator is prone to let go, but that is usually a small drip that would explain your recurrent coolant low-level caution. I'm not sure this failure even has the capability to progress to spewing a trail of coolant and smoke, perhaps but probably noticeable as a puddle long before that.

I'm unfamiliar with the 4.2L but assume it has some version of the plastic upper rad hose fitted to the 3.0L in which case it is likely leaking. Unsure if you have the plastic or metal water pump impeller, but recall they are an issue on the V-8's. T-stats also prone to stick closed, which may have highlighted and exacerbated whatever weak point was causing your coolant low-level light.

As Jon noted, nothing in the coolant loop you couldn't handle...even if you are a tool-less city-dweller.....you could buy a lot of tools for $2100.....and yeah, you may make a few mistakes along the way...but think how much you'll learn!

 

Unless you get off the computer and under the hood that's about what it will cost.
You MUST DIY the repairs or have lots of spare cash.
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Thank you, I am searching the forum now. I am all for DIY aside from the fact that this is my wife's daily driver so time is not on my side. Again, I thank you all for your insight!

(on a side note, no smoke - just low coolant and temp gauge creeped up to overheat. Wife promptly pulled over and cut the engine, and it went directly to the shop)

 

There's also not many clairvoyants on the site at any time of day, never mind at 3:14 AM EST.

Until you open the hood and tell us what's actually leaking, not much point guessing.

 

To replace all the rubber hoses with Jaguar parts is around $200. You can get a Jaguar water pump and thermostat pipe assembly for another $150. If you need a radiator, new will cost you $250. Purchase the hoses at Las Vegas Jag online. Pump and pipe at Terry's Jag.

 

Down load a copy of the JTIS it will help you to do the job.

 

Do NOT buy a Jaguar water pump!

I have posted this before but ALL 4.0L, 4.2L and Lincoln LS 3.9L V-8's as well as Land Rover 4.2L and 4.4L V-8's use the same water pump. Get the Lincoln LS one and look for the improved aftermarket one. The box will say improved over stock on it. They have improved the impeller and seals.

It's easy to get and has a lifetime warranty from Oreilly. I got one at 9PM on a Sunday night. CP4124 about $90.

Import Direct Water Pumps CP4124 - Water Pump | O'Reilly Auto Parts

Again IF you want Jaguar parts we have a 15% discount for forum member's and free shipping on orders over $50 from Jaguar Greenville, SC.
864-288-7575. Be sure and mention the forum and ask for the discount. I have used this several times.
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Thank you this was extremely helpful!!!

 

The O'Reilly pump is what I have too. Much improved and is the easiest installation you'll ever find on a car.

 

Water pump impeller design has changed over the years, (and there are TSB's concerning this) and the current Jaguar pump (AJ88912) is $89 at most online Jaguar dealers like Las Vegas and Terry's. IDC's CP4124 are Chinese.

 

Thanks to everyone. Great info on top of what I've found from searching the forum. I have the car back and it looks like it will definitely need the water pump, thermostat housing and thermostat. Radiator looks OK but do you recommend changing it anyway as a preventative?

 

They are quite expensive but some people have said on Jag forums that they start to break at 100000 miles. If you are going to change the rad then you may as well go the whole hog and change the rubber pipes as well as they are old as well.

 

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...eating-124214/

You may have come across the above thread in you search. If not, have a read.

I would also change out the Hose AJ 811763, and purchase the remote hose clamp ring tool. Makes life so much easier.

Check the hose part number for your car.

 

Again I have been thru this before. Jaguar is very late to the party on this and should have released an upgraded version years earlier. I use the aftermarket Chinese one.

Where is the factory one made? Does it come with a lifetime warranty? No of course not.

I only replace radiators when I have to. Just too expensive and too much work. I don't consider them a wear item.
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No...it fails in a benign manner.....drip, drip, drip at a lesser frequency than Clinton e-mail scandals. You'll have ample time to obtain a replacement and make the change on a weekend, as long as you keep a sharp eye on the level. Just beware on the 03 and sub facelift (3.0L) cars, the airflow drives it onto the DCCV and makes it appear as if that's where the leak is. I don't know the DCCV arrangement on the 4.2L's so can't speak to that.

 

Good luck with your vehicle, but your information concerning this issue isn't accurate. Pumps with white poly phenyl sulphide impellers have been produced since early 2000's. (new style) It was first introduced on the XK serial 040101 and XJ 308 at serial 873500. Black Nylon 66 (old style) hasn't been used since 96~98. Jaguar is neither late to the party, nor are they poor quality or Chinese. Good luck with your "lifetime" warranty.

 

Sorry wrong again!

I come from the Lincoln LS side where this failure came much earlier than S Type because Ford sold a lot more LS's especially in 2000. That's why I don't even tell them it's for an S Type. Shop for the LS pump instead.

Get the one you want it's your car!

Still did not answer what the warranty is on the Jaguar branded pump??
It's NOT lifetime. Again make your own choice.

I did.
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