I just had my 2006 XJ8 checked up for the 1st time since getting it about 18 months ago, this is the list I received:

Are there any things on this list that someone could do themselves cheaper without too much hassle? The wheel hub is probably something best left to the pros, but would it be difficult to change the thermostat housing, oil pan gasket, and heater valve?

I have to make a decision later today, would like to be informed. I do have a copy of the X350 workshop manual so I think I have all the procedures, but it's not always clear how difficult the process is.

Thanks a lot!

 

Was this done by a main dealer?

Why do you need to know today?

"Heater valve has mild coolant leak under pressure testing.
C2C 6517
Remove and replace heater control valve - p:$245 + l:$175 + t = ~$460" (This is bo@@@cks)

This part number is for an aux pump there is NO heater control valve on this car!!!!

Why replace pump for small leak which if real is probably on the hose connections.

"Front, right wheel hub seems to be noisy. This needs to be confirmed."

Seems noisy-He wants you to spend $450 but he's not sure!!!!

From the above the whole lot is suspicious I would take the car to a good indepenent mech

for a second opinion.

 

Is the thermostat housing causing the code? I would think the thermostat is the problem? The housing unless it's leaking should not be a problem.
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Thanks for responding.

This was done by a Jaguar independent shop...I don't know if I can name them here, but they are reputable, if online reviews can be trusted. I haven't used them before. I need the answer today because I can't keep the car on their premises if there's no work being done on it, they discount the diagnostic fee if I allow them to work on the car, but it's void if I take the car away.

The heater valve had me confused too, but the tech did show me the point of leakage...I think it might be a misprint, I'll have to call them back.

To be fair to them, the wheel hub thing is listed separately, they're not sure what or if there's a problem, I think the $450 is just what it'd take to replace it.

I have seen the car, and the tech walked me through the issues, I have seen the oil gasket leak. The main thing I want to know is which of these can be done by myself.

EDIT: @tbird6, the tech told me that just the metal part and not the housing itself needed changing. It's clear I have to clarify some things with them.

 

smells like a pressure tactic to force fast decisions

i would walk

 

Agreed. If they want to work on the car they won't force you to decide on the spot, but rather will be happy for the business should you decide to bring it back to them to do the work.

 

Most of these jobs can be DIY, but they're certainly a lot easier in a warm workshop with a car hoist. They are being fair in not charging for the diagnostic if you decide to have some/all the work done, but seem to have put pressure on you for a quick decision, but they are in business to earn a living ! You have discussed the jobs with them so I suggest you decide which is the most urgent and arrange to have those done, and keep the others under observation. If it were me, I'd deal with the oil pan leak first, then the thermostat.

The wheel bearings are hard to diagnose until they're virtually shot so it's mainly noise that indicates they are on the way out. It can be difficult getting the steel hub out of the aluminium suspension upright, and sometimes the upright has to be removed with hub for attention on the bench.

The thermostat is fairly easy to replace.

From your list, I don't think you need the lot doing at once, you can space it out over months, I reckon.

What miles on the car, and has it been along a lot of salt-laden roads ?

 

THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING REPLACEMENT should solve the (Heater valve has mild coolant leak under pressure testing issue)
C2C 6517....Gasket is about 40.00 and a hour job DIY. I recommend you replace the thermostat housing yourself and save the money..100.00 in parts and maybe a hour of work.

 

Agree with the gang. If you've got the manual and even a medium level of wrenching skill, just take these one at a time to see if you can knock them off. Ditto on dealing with the oil pan first. Owning one of these older luxury sedans means either you're going to get some wrenching time or you'll be reaching for wallet. In our '04, I found repair and maintenance receipts that totaled up to about $8500.

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