So my '04 4.2 V8 has always had a little coolant leaking. Usually have to top up every other month (I don't put a lot of miles on it).

Anyway, I got a coolant light last night, and then, as my engine hit temp, the car basically spewed coolant everywhere.

From what I can see, it seems to be wet at the front of the engine and high up. I filled the reservoir with water and it didn't gush out, but it still leaked slowly. My guess is the reservoir has properly gone. Do you think this is a fair assessment?

How difficult is it to check it out?

If I need to get another one, are there any recommendations for purchase in Canada / North America?

Thanks all.

 

These plastic coolant reservoirs are notoriously bad after even just a few years. The hose nozzles crack and drip, the seams crack and leak, etc. Inspect it carefully and you'll probably find that either the nozzles or the seams have cracked....

The best deals on new ones are typically from some of the online sources you can find on amazon or ebay....

 

Thanks for the reply. I'll get in there and check later. After I posted I dug around and can see there is tons to read on the matter, and it doesn't sound like a hard fix either.

 

looks like a replacement reservoir should only be about a hundred bucks which is good.

 

AAARGGGHH ! I was taking the clip off the bottom hose, holding it with some pliers, and it still dropped down into the engine bay.

Anyone know if I can get another one easily, or do I have to rip my engine apart?

 

You're not the first!
I think hunting is the best bet. IIRC the clip only comes with the hose.

 

Correct it only comes with the hose !!
If it doesn't show its self by the time you have the under tray removed ,
Then be sure to check in the fan shroud buy pulling open the gap between the shroud and the radiator at the bottom edge ,
that's were mine went , typical aye.

 

Go after it with a telescoping magnet tool. You just may get lucky....

 

Ok, lots of threads about coolant leaks and fractures of nipples, etc...

What I'd like to know is whether these things happen by themselves or are they the result of people working on things at the front of the engine? It seems that things up there are very, very, fragile so I'm wondering if most of the failures result from people touching things and having them fall apart.

The reason I ask is that my car 8 years old with ~65k miles so I'd like to prepare myself for this failure since it seems pretty likely that it's gonna happen.

As I said, I realize that things are very delicate and fragile up there and I specifically try to keep away from the hoses, reservoir, etc., for fear of them "crumbling" apart.

Is there anything else I should do, or simply monitor things and wait to begin smelling antifreeze? Should I begin to prepare to have all the coolant hoses and reservoir replaced? Should I have the water pump done at the same time? I'm very big on preventative maintenance (did a pretty complete service at 60k including tranny flush/fill with a new pan), so I'd like to know if this is something that I should start planning to have done?

Thanks
==================================================
Jaguar: Grace, Pace, and Space - Sir William Lyons
2015 JCNA National Slalom Champion Class M
Current: '08 Jaguar S-Type 4.2 "Satin Edition" (250.06 whp / 259.67 torque)
Past: '05 X-Type 3.0/auto Jaguar Racing Green

 

Jaguar parts are made of notoriously weak plastic, no question about it. And if you bump it or breathe on it too hard while working under the hood, it will crack in a heartbeat. You should see the plastic components in my 1999 Dodge Ram pickup. The coolant reservoir is three times as thick as my S-Type coolant reservoir and still very pliable after 18 years under the hood. Same goes for the two nozzles on the reservoir. The plastic quality is so much better it's not even funny....

 

It is also a good idea, given the age of the vehicle, to change the water outlet and thermostat housing. The plastic can only withstand a finite number of cold and hot cycles before failing. The water outlet assembly includes a new thermostat and seal as well as a new coolant temperature sensor.

The JLR part number is AJ811793. Whenever ordering parts from a Jaguar agency, always provide the VIN as the part number may have been superseded.

 

Turned out to be a crack in the radiator so that is being replaced. Also doing the transmission oil lines at the same time. Bit of an expense, but there you go.

 

Ouch!

 

Aft, on the right hand side?

 

My money's on that spot, close to the DCCV.

 

Unless it has been done recently, I trust you are having the water outlet replaced as well since the cooling system is drained and radiator is out.