Looking at doing a partial drain/fill of the coolant. Should be simple and relatively straight forward. Well, the coolant drain plug located at the left bottom corner as a '+' type slit in it. Using a regular slotted screwdriver, one would have thought turning it left to drain would be normal. However, I am having difficulty as the 'screw' does not want to turn willingly. Something had happened though, because I not have coolant dripping out very slowly. About a drop every 1 - 1 1/2 minutes. Any thoughts on how to open up the plug to drain, and, is there a replacement plug available? Part numbers if anyone has access to the info?

 

I think your right?
Maybe it's a bit stuck?

The shop manual just shows the normal Righty Tighty-Lefty Loosy drain plug.




I find these are pretty generic so take yours into a parts store and see what they have. Note they probably won't have a listing for Jaguar anyway!
Yours likely just needs the O-ring replaced and I do add a dab of dielectric or bulb grease to the O-ring to ease installation and prevent future sticking. I think it's the rubber that is dragging causing all the bind your feeling.

So don't replace it yet!
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Hi Clubairth, thanks for your feedback. I got the drain plug freed, but it did not drop out completely. Probably has a 'holder' to keep it in the drain hole. So, I am not sure if it can be replaced. I will make enquiries with our local dealer and see if their parts guys can confirm either way.
I'd much rather have one of those that are screwed in, and have a wing-nut type set up that you open to drain.

 

I've found that using a larger Phillips-head screwdriver works best on that plug, for what its worth.

 

XJ8JR, I'm not sure if a larger Phillips screwdriver would work.... The slots are just like a 'plus' sign (+) and no smooth corners like a Phillips. I'll have to look again....

 

Correct. It's now loose but must be pulled straight down again to remove it because of the rubber washer/O-ring. I usually take it completely out to inspect and to let the coolant flow out with full force. I use pliers as with the angles and such I don't have enough hand strength to muscle it out.
Glad you got it free!
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Draining explained ;

I will open the petcock / drain valve allow the coolant to drain until no more leave the petcock/valve area. Retighten & refill

 

Just to follow up because I recently changed my coolant as the car past it's 10 year anniversary.

Like a lot of parts that plastic screw in drain plug is cheap and easy to get!
Dorman 61138 and they are all over and about $7. Too cheap to NOT replace!




Here it is compared to what came stock in 2014 XJR. Turns out this has been used since the 1990's in millions of Fords.
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