Hi all,

Ever since replacing the starter motor in Angie's Jag, things have been going smoothly (Jag-wise, anyway).

Now we are getting the low coolant light after any drive longer than 30 minutes. The light usually doesn't come on until after the system has cooled down (still leaking until the pressure drops?). It appeared as though the short 90* hose from the water pump to the engine had developed a leak - looked like someone had overtightened a hose clamp & the hose had gotten a small tear (couldn't prove it, though, as we had to cut the hose off to replace it). Replaced the hose - problem remained. I can only see the leak on the underside of the hose, near the connection to the pipe at the engine, so it has to be up on a lift (I have an understanding & patient mechanic!). Replaced the EuroSpare hose with a genuine Jag$$ part; still no luck.

I'm now wondering if this may be a common issue with these cars. Do I spend more time trying to troubleshoot the apparent source of this leak in a very cramped, impossible-to-see situation, or is there a better option?

BTW, the new part # for this hose is AJ89508.

Cheers,
Joe

 

After a cold soak, preferably overnight, pressurise the cooling system to 1 bar (100 kPa) and search for leaks.

It could also be leaking from the water inlet pipe or outlet pipe seals.

 

Could the origin be the shaft seal on the water pump, and then the escaping coolant collects on the hose? Try looking in there with a little inspection mirror.

 

Thanks, NBCat. I have an appointment Monday with a local shop who does such tests. They keep it pressurized overnight, then look for signs of slow or fast leaks.

kr, I also wondered about a pump seal issue. The water I see, though, is on the upper region of the hose; no signs at the lower end. Of course, with the engine running, who knows where any leaks might end up? I hope the overnight pressure test will be more definitive.

Joe