An aftermarket fix is now available for the failure-prone OEM cooling system plastic pipes.

I ordered these aluminum replacements from Ebay, but haven't received them yet. Even though my OEM plastic pipes are still OK, I'm going replace them to avoid problems.

I didn't post a link because the vendor I bought them from is now out of stock. Search Ebay for other sellers, there are several.

The factory should have used aluminum, not plastic.

 

European cars like MB, BMW, Audi, Volvo to name a few, Japanese, Koreans and American cars are already using plastic coolant pipes and other engine components. I guess, Jaguar went with the flow to cut cost as well.

 

This is a bit misleading, at least the description at the top is. Those pipes fit only the SC configurations, not the NA.
Looking forward (but literally can't wait) for aluminum front & rear pipes to be available for the NA configuration.

 

Thank you very much for this information.

 

Yes very good point they don't fit the NA engines...yet!
They are suppose to be released in the near future hopefully!
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According to the compatibility listings on EBay the aluminum pipes do not fit either the 2013 XKR or the 2018 XJR (both are supercharged).

 

Yes this is an error in the listing. I think if you E-mail the vendor with your car info they will confirm that they fit.
I have seen at least one other person run into the same thing.
Post back if they say they do not fit.
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See Jaguar Technical Service Bulletin JTB00566NAS4 (2018) regarding replacing the plastic coolant pipes:

Technical Service Bulletin JTB00566NAS4

I received the aluminum pipes today, and will let you know after I'll have them replaced. Don't hold your breath waiting.

See YouTube for more horror stories like this:



P.S. Don't wait until after your plastic pipes completely break, as catastrophic engine damage can occur. If you notice the tell-tale aroma of anti-freeze, your coolant overflow tank is low or empty, and there's a puddle under your car, get it checked right away. Don't drive it or run the engine if you get a hot engine warning light, and have it towed to your dealer or independent mechanic who is qualified and competent to work on your Jaguar.

 

One thing you can also do for peace of mind is an obd2 display that is set to display coolant temp. Most of them have audible warnings should you exceed a preset temperature. I am running the original water pump on a 2011 SC and no sign of any leaks. These go for about $50

 

Stuart S, thanks for the info. I just ordered the aluminum pipes upgrade kit for future insurance. I replaced the water pump at 36K miles as preventative maintenance and now I'll start to worry about the pipes. I currently have 41K miles. Question: does the reservoir vent to the open air because, I swear, I have always had a faint coolant smell since I purchased the car in 2017 and yet my coolant level has never been down?

 

These being aluminum, and there is no flex, unlike a plastic component, does it still fit fairly easily?

 

Yes I find that I smell coolant too. I also have no leaks and the level stays constant. I think I am just over sensitized to it as I am always on the look out for any coolant leaks?
Plus I swear all newer cars seem to have this smell all the time? Maybe just hot plastic/rubber I am smelling?
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Maybe it's your aftershave!

 

Maybe we've just become paranoid about this coolant leak stuff. So, again, does the reservoir vent to the open air? I need an explanation for my paranoia. ☺

 

Yes it has to vent but does contain some pressure. That number is printed on the reservoir cap (Mine says 200 KPA but it does vary around too). You can run with zero pressure and some people have done that so as to not put any more pressure stress on the cooling system until they can repair the problems.

If running zero pressure you will see a lot of change in the fluid level in the tank. It will create an air space on top of the fluid after several heat/cool cycles. This is how the older cars without an over flow tank work. With pressure you will have only a small change in fluid level. That's why they put a cold and hot fluid level markings on the tank.

Yes aftershave is right! But the hot anti freeze smell just seems to always be present?
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Ah ha! So, if the system overpressures the 200 KPA the vapor escapes through the cap to the open air and that would account for us having the faint coolant smell.

 

A pressure cap is extremely necessary As the pressure raises the boiling point of the coolant. And running not pressure may result in overheating the coolant and it will boil off.

 

Yes you are very correct! Only a temporary hack before he could get the car repaired.
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I don't think I can understand what this is saying...

 

That makes at least two of us.