On My 2005 S-type 4.2 N/A the coolant level has been dropping about 4 oz every 100 miles but I could not find evidence of a leak. Yesterday it actually dropped to the bottom of the expansion tank and there was a little pool of coolant under the vehicle.
I pulled the belly pan and looked around a bit but could not determine where the leak was coming from. I had the car towed to my trusty independent jag specialist where they pressure tested the system and found that the radiator is cracked on the passengers side [seems to be the typical place]. He said that a new radiator is needed and that as long as he has it apart I should replace the serpentine belt as it is showing excessive wear.

Total price parts and labor $1850 USD. He said that the entire front bumper has to be removed to get at the radiator. I know what is involved in pulling the bumper as I had it off 2 months ago to rebuild the headlights [not an easy task but the forum walked me through it].

I have a couple of questions. First off does this seem like a reasonable price? Secondly, does the bumper have to be removed to replace the radiator? Third, does the fan need to be removed? And finally when you remove the radiator does it affect the coolant lines to the transmission [will it affect the trans fluid level] or any other system [I thought I read something about recharging the A/C]?

 

Jaguar Warranty time is 4.0 Hours.(warranty time is 'stingy', manufacturers don't like to part with money)

When I worked at the dealer we charged one and a half times the warranty time when the car was out of warranty and CUSTOMER PAY.

I would charge 6.0 hours labor at my shop.

The AC condenser is mounted to the RADIATOR. Some access to the front of the radiator is required to get the extra components disconnected.

Some fluid is lost when the cooler lines are removed. I would have to determine the amount during the repair as to whether it warranted checking the level.

 

Also check the shop's prices for the part. NAPA auto parts quotes a list price of $979.99 for an aftermarket radiator, when an OE unit retails for "only" $576.81...

 

I just replaced the radiator on my ‘02 V6. Not sure of the exact differences with your car, but what a maddeningly frustrating task it was for me. Way too much stuff in the way. It’s as if the designers never considered the part would ever need to be replaced.

I didn’t have to remove the bumper cover, just the belly pan. I had to drill out several fasteners as they were seized.

The fan (and shroud) had to come out. I removed mine separately but the factory method may have you remove it as a unit with the radiator, AC condenser, and combo PS/AT cooler.

Tight quarters in there, but I separated the condenser and cooler from the radiator and left them floating in place. Fortunately I didn’t have to disconnect the cooler lines, but not so with the AC lines. What a miserable design, as if the AC lines had been redesigned slightly, the radiator could have come out fairly easily without discharging the refrigerant.

I got a new radiator from RockAuto. Under $200, Nissens brand. Fingers crossed it holds up.

Don’t know what to tell you about the price you’ve been quoted. It’s going to take a mechanic most of a day for the job. Factor in the complex coolant bleed procedure plus an AC recharge, too. If the PS/AT cooler was disconnected, figure more time to replenish the transmission fluid.

 

bumper takes 5 minutes to get off

fans and tank out, take the support off release it from the condenser then tilt it forward

 

I would get the workshop to also make sure the transmission level is checked/topped up for that price and make sure they use the Lifeguard 6 fluid; the genuine stuff which I assume your car is running. You will loose some of the transmission fluid in a radiator changeover. At least I did when I changed my radiator on my STR. Was not a pleasant task but got there in the end.
Makes you think about servicing the transmission as well while they're at it but that does blow out the cost.
Belt change while you're at it?
Any oil leaks around the timing case cover while you're also at it?
Fan out of course. Plus make sure radiator foam is put back around the radiator, or if perished a home made equivalent.
I don't think I touched the AC system at all.

The amount of transmission fluid I lost was enough to make the transmission behave poorly so fluid level check a must.

 

Radiator replacement on these cars is a royal PITA. Did it on my 04 XJR - never again. Literally the entire front end of the car was taken apart!!!

 

I have a 2003 S Type with the V8, 2005 might be the same for removing the radiator. The bumper was not in the way at all. The major part of the job is removing the fan and shroud along with everything attached to it. If you want to do it, you'll need a set of big needle nose pliers with curved points, a tool for removing the spring hose clamps, and picks with curved points to remove hoses. Harbor Freight has all the tools you need for a fraction of what they cost elsewhere, if there's one in your area. Check out the Jaag repair manual and numerous youtube videos. Whoever does it, replace your old water pump when you have everything wide open. I didn't when I did mine and two weeks later the water pump started leaking like a stuck pig. At least removing the fan and shroud was easier the second time around. If your mechanic hasn't done one before, find someone who has so you don't have to pay for them to learn how to do it.
Another big tip for everyone, if you want your cooling system to last longer, throw out your 20psi coolant cap and get a 16psi Fomoco cap for a modern Thunderbird from a Ford dealer. Less pressure will make all the plastic bits last much longer. I did it with mine a few years ago and since then, no leaks and the car drives fine. Periodically have the coolant cap checked to see it releases pressure when it's supposed to. The cap is the most important part of the entire system! If the coolant cap does not release pressure, everything goes to hell quickly.

 

I replaced the radiator in my 03 4.2L. Here is the thread I made for it.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...3-4-2l-224482/