Any directions for thermostat replacement. 2004 XJ8

 

The Workshop Manual has the procedure outlined. You can obtain it from Topix or some Internet vendors on eBay.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/JAGUAR-XJ-X...0AAOSwZQxW4PBZ

Be especially careful removing hoses connected to plastic fittings.

 

Super easy for me! Honestly it was a 20 minute job in the parking lot of my school. You will lose coolant in the process, so have some old rags to shove into the open end of the hose once you get it off.

I cannot remember exactly what I did, but its right in the center of the engine by the radiator (I know you already probably know that) but if you just go right at it then you will find it turns out to be easy.

 

If you get stuck at all, just let me know. I will take some photos to see if that helps!

 

It is an easy job, done it three times. Look in the shop manual that can be downloaded from the sticky post at top of the Modern forum. The only hard part is if you want to replace the upper "stand pipe" coming from the block. I have not replaced that one yet. It requires removing the intake manifold, which I haven't done. If/when I remove the intake manifold I will put that part on.

 

It is best to replace the water outlet assembly, which has the thermostat already installed. The JLR part number is AJ811793.

The water outlet assembly should be replaced each time the coolant is changed as it can only endure a finite number of cold and hot cycles before failing. Use DEXCOOL as it's an OAT coolant that meets Jaguar specifications.

 

Definitely an easy job to do as long as your bolts behave and refrain from stripping/shearing! Mine is a Canadian XJ8 2007 which Has seen winter but I believe I was extremely lucky as no bolts sustained damage. Check out my post (#465) in the "What did you do to your X350/X358 today?" thread, I gave a brief outline of what you'll need to remove to get the job done, and others have posted some very useful images in other threads.
Tools required are 100% things you already have: vice grips, regular pliers, a straight screwdriver, ratchet, T30 torx bit, 8mm socket and some elbow grease! Due to where the assembly is in the engine, you will lose a fair amount of coolant unless you drain it prior to starting. A suggestion would be to do a full on coolant flush with distilled water (also described at length in the forums here) because if your thermostat is failing, then the coolant is probably far from optimal condition itself. Good luck to you sir!

 

Thanks all. I have done this before just don't really remember how. I am replacing the whole housing. Thanks again.

Tom