perhaps a dumb question, but is there a coolant overflow thank on an 01 XK8? and if so where? I'm not seeing it, I need to do a pressure test ( tiny leak somewhere in system that doesn't puddle, but I smell) I've looked over all the posts I could find regarding it, so I think I'm prepared for most any eventuality (valley hose leak, norma connector, octopus hose, the proper adapter for the tester,etc.) Thanks everyone on this fantastic forum for the heads up so far

Matt
2001 xk8 named Eartha

 

There is it's located near the driver side firewall.. fairly far back almost near the compartment that has the brake drum and brake fluid resevoir.. a black cap that usually has a sticker saying "orange approved coolant" or something like that..





That's where the radiator cap is as well - I think the cap also says 100kps or something like that indicating the pressure level.

Hope that helps!

 

You have the resivor tank up on the drivers front side of motor, black unit with cap. There is another tank, atmospheric tank I think it is called up front behind the drivers side inner fender well. Someone will correct me if I am wrong. In my time here that tanks behind the inner fender cover has not been an issue with folks.
It is the black tank or cap that is bleeding off, or the WP is a little, or one of the connectors on the Octopus hose. Yes, a pressure check will present the leak to you when you do it when the car is cold.

 

Besides the black tank near the strut tower on the driver side (where the cap is), there is an overflow tank in the driver side front wheel well. It can be seen/reached by removing the plastic liner. My understanding is that this wheel well tank is not under pressure. It captures whatever goes past the cap when hot, and provides a ready made supply when the cooling system sucks the fluid back in during cool down. I assume that the normal operation of this tank could technically produce a smell, even if there are no leaks. Are you in need of refilling the system on a regular basis?

As you found out, there are a number of "usual suspects" for coolant leaks. You could add the radiator end tanks and the water pump to the list.

Separately, if you start meddling with this, you might want to look into the whole thermostat tower, including the upgraded aluminum model. Fairly easy DIY, and parts are not that expensive.

Best of luck, keep us posted.

 

Matt,
Post #2 for picture.
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ry-tank-84209/

 

holy cow I didn't know about the Atmospheric recovery tank.. :O

 

Thanks everyone, you guys are great! got my answer and full education in about 30 minutes from post of question to complete confidence to take on my repair. . Looks like it's that "atmospheric Recovery tank" that I couldn't find, but saw on the parts diagram, the overflow one on top, I did find, and have actually replaced, since my magnetic float pin decided to just jump out and give a constant low coolant message a few months after I got the car, consequently, I also learned about the coolant level sensor that I bought separately and together with the new coolant tank shown in the post above from Matthew Chidster. Also a big thanks for the link from David Devon now I understand what I'm doing...

 

I know after I did some work on my car, I was not burping the system correctly thus I kept topping it off then it would burp more then resivor could take so it went to the other tank. I did this like 2x before I realized what I was doing. DUH.

 

When I re-did my front suspension I was staring right at that tank but I never really looked at it to figure out what it did. On my trucks, that is where the windshield washer bottle is so I just figured it was the windshield washer bottle and ignored it.

 

Windscreen washer reservoir is on the other side of the car - in front of the wheel (below the headlight).

 

Just a note: All above mention recovery tank on drivers side, What I can say is Mine on a 2002 xkr is on the passenger side wheel well behind the liner between wheel and door. I don't know if jag has moved this about on different years / models.

 

No - Jaguar didn't move the recovery tank but they did move the steering wheel to the left in cars destined for those of our former colonies where people insist on driving on the wrong side of the road.

 

Just on that note and while slightly off topic l believe there would be much less confusion if forum members used the terms LHS or RHS exclusively.

 

baxtor - I agree 100% but there's still scope for confusion. The convention is the 'left' or 'right' is described from a position sort-of sitting in the driving seat.
But - you will find plenty of examples where someone is describing the position of a component in the engine compartment as looking back at the car with the hood (bonnet) open.
It's just worth being very precise if possible.