Just got done putting in my new radiator hose and thermostat assembly. Was a little bit tricky but nothing crazy. The thermostat bolts were a bit hard to reach at the angle they are, but I used the swivel adapters like recommended and got them. I think a small 13mm box wrench would have done the job as well but a rachet is faster anyways. Thermostat sits in there very snug to the fan, so getting that off and back on was fun. Most trouble I had with the project was that dang little 3" hose at the bottom of the thermostat. Could not get the clamp back on at the angle it was. Those clamps take a lot of pressure to squeeze. Had to fight with it for 30 minutes, then realized it would help if I had more clearance so I raised my car up and from there I got the hose seated and eventually got the clamps on right. Right now just waiting for the gasket sealant to dry, then gotta fill it up with coolant, clear the check engine light, and hope for no drips or check engine lights.

 

Where were you seeing coolant at that made you replace the upper assembly?

 

I just had my mechanic do the same. In my arrogance I thought that changing the thermostat was a simple as the time I did 40 years ago in my Dad's 1978 Dodge truck. Once I got the part and looked it up in the Jag manual, I thought I would let my mechanic do it. Once he tried and screws where spinning in the housing, we realized why they sell in all in one with thermostat and hose. So rule number one, check here first ! Humbled once again. lol

 

What temperature thermostat did you use? Stock temperature or slightly cooler?