I recently installed a new thermostat housing and water pump on my '04 XJ8.The coolant level is just below the max level when cold, once it starts to warm up, the level maxes out and the gauge starts to travel towards very hot.Could I still have air trapped somewhere?

 

Sounds like it. Did you follow the bleeding procedure? If not, look here:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...r-i-pdf-84392/

 

Will it make a difference if the heater fan doesn't work for this procedure? this is a car that has sat dead since Oct 2015.Tring to bring it back to life.

 

Do you mean the heater won't blow hot air or it doesn't blow anything at all? My AC doesn't blow hot air anymore (and I don't really care) but the procedure still works. Not sure what happens if the ac doesn't blow at all.

 

All of the controls light up and appear to be working, the fan doesn't work.I am going to test it tomorrow.hopefully it is just "stuck" as this car hasn't moved in two years.

 

Ok, I tested the heat/a/c blower fan and it is getting power so I will take it out and see if it is just seized or requires replacement.I drained and filled the coolant per instructions.It did not run hot but it did overflow out of the reservoir cap now.So until I can stop the coolant problem, I can't keep it running long enough to determine the hard to start and poor running condition.Then I will have repair or replace the sunroof as it does not move but the motor works and it leaks so I can't clean out the drains until I get it to move again.LOL this is a long list and the headline needs to be replaced too yuck!Ant help on the coolant issue would be greatly appreciated!

 

Ok, I ordered a bower motor, old one would start to spin and stop but it was still getting power. Also ordered a coolant reservoir with a new cap. Then maybe I can run the engine long enough to diagnose codes and a miss.

 

Should replace the thermostat, then check water pump.

 

If your that far, don't check the pump, replace it. They don't cost that much, Ford as well as others make replacements.

 

+1 on the thermostat since the car sat for 2 years there's a strong possibility that the thermostat is stuck in the closed position. The expansion tank isn't likely to be your problem.

 

I have replaced the thermostat housing, water pump and expansion tank. Followed the instructions for filling the system and it still is spraying out of the expansion tank. I replaced the blower motor but it still doesn't blow air in any of the settings. Could something in the heater system be blocking the flow? It doesn't run hot anymore according to the gauge and there is no coolant in the oil either.

 

If it sat for two years it's possible that something took up residence in some of the internal duct work. Have you checked where the cabin air filter is located on the passenger side under the hood at the firewall? Great leaf catcher and nesting place for rodents, etc. When I first bought my wife's '04 XJ8 I found her's was jammed with oak leaves.