I'm looking to replace the thermostat on my 97 xj6, but i don't know how much antifreeze to buy to refill the car after im done

 

if you drain from the lower rad hose, about 10 quarts

 

From the X300 Vehicle Care Handbook:



Graham

 

If you just do the T-stat, about a cup....maybe a pint. You can change it without loosing much. DON"T USE AN O-RIng, even though it comes with the T-STAT

 

ok good to know, but why don't you want to use an o ring?

 

Regarding your thermostat replacement together with query on o-ring, the attached document will answer your question.
It is always a good idea when embarking on any job on your X300 to enter the topic into the thread search at the top right of the page. This will give you access to many threads/articles on the topic.

John Herbert
(1996 XJR)

 

Sometimes people on the X300 will break the ears off the casting

Be carefully to evenly walk the bolts down back and forth evenly

This may have something to do with the O- ring side " pinch " or the 2 casting lips coming together and one lip catching

 

O-RIngs are for XJ-40 fitment, not X300. The same T-Stat fits both, so many are shipped with the O-ring included. If you fit the O-ring to the X300, you WILL break a housing ear off before getting to the torque spec, no matter how evenly you alternate snugging the two fixings. Although ashamed to admit it, this is the voice of experience speaking to you....
A smear of Renzosil or equivalent will do nicely to insulate the connection from leaks.

 

The X300 thermostat is supposed to have a conventional die cut gasket:



The part number is NBB2217AC (photo courtesy of SNG Barratt):

I think the last one I installed was just conventional paper and I gave each side a light coating of Permatex Spray-A-Gasket. Reinzosil or Permatex Ultra-Black or Ultra-Grey would probably work fine in place of the paper gasket, but can create more difficult clean up the next time you have to do the job, and if you drive cars as long as I do, there will be a next time.

Cheers,

Don