Replacing some hoses, and noticed the main upper hose port on the radiator was crumbling. Anyone else have that problem? Does it mean something was getting too hot, or it's it just old? (Currently replacing valley hose that was leaking). Thankfully the pieces were stuck in the hose. Just seems odd. The rest of the plastic is fine. Though I'll probably still replace it

 

i have my '05 xjr down to do the water pump/belts..etc.. and noticed the same thing however i will now be looking for broken bits floating thru the system.

very interested in responses

max

 

2004 XJR - mine cracked when I went to replace the upper radiator hose. (Got the pieces) replaced radiator assembly (which is a royal PITA) shortly thereafter due to a hairline crack in the side tank that only appeared with the engine at operating temperature.

My understanding it's from age.

After all it's plastic and with all the heating and cooling cycles the plastic becomes brittle.

Beware, when changing the radiator instructions state to discharge the AC and remove the line. The radiator swap can be accomplished w/o discharging the AC. The one line that rides the radiator (thanks Jaguar) can be massaged out a bit to allow the radiator to be removed.

Also, invest in 1" weatherstripping from Lowes and plan on removing the front bumper and a bunch of parts. Keep track of bolts, especially the ones that go to line up the radiator and associated other coolers.

Also, invest in a new lower and upper radiator hoses and a set of o rings for the transmission cooling lines and be sure to cap off the lines once removed to mitigate trans fluid loss. (I partially filled the trans tank in radiator to offset minor fluid loss)

All in all a 2 day job solo!

Replace what you can - you only want to go in there once.

Take a peek!

 

My crumbled the same way, hence the replacement.

Feel like we should start a "Radiator R&R Support Group."

 

Ya, if nothing else I wanted people to be aware that their radiator could be in the same state. It would suck for the pieces to clog up the system

Sounds like a pain. Thanks for the heads up! Can you elaborate of massaging the AC line? Just squeeze it a bit before disconnecting?

Seriously. The whole cooling system has too many plastic pieces. The whole thermostat housing assembly etc. The valley hose is ridiculous.

 

Those all aluminum radiators, look promising, with NO PLASTIC

 

I thought about going that route but decided to replace with plastic. Original lasted 17 years...

 

Actually your going to bend the line a bit outward to allow the header tank to clear. It's a bit hard to explain but you have to lift the radiator up a bit then tilt out at an angle towards the passenger side of the vehicle and do the same when putting the replacement radiator back in...