I have a 2001 XJ8. In the recent weeks, Ive been getting a low coolant warning. It seems to come on every 2 days and I add coolant. I don't see any on the ground but I can smell it.
Any ideas where it may be leaking

 

The most likely culprits are the Norma connections between the 'octopus' hose and the heater hoses that run under the intake manifold. They drip onto the cats which is why you smell but don't see the leak.

Check your local auto supply stores for the loan of a pressure tester and use cold to find the leak. I bought a tester at Harbor Freight and have used it many times on my car and others.

If you haven't replaced the thermostat housing with a metal one that and the water pipe just under it should also be replaced. And how about the timing chains and tensioners? Jags can get expensive if you are unable to do repairs and replacements on your own.

 

Another possible source is the Expansion Tank. These can develop minute pinholes or seam cracks which only open up when hot. This allows coolant to drip onto the hot exhaust where it immediately flashes off creating the typical coolant smell but leaving no trace.

Graham

 

I was chasing a leak like that for a year finally found a thermostate housing leaking ..See if you get a pressure test of the cooling system leak the presure on overnight

 

Another very likely suspect is the water pump. Once the seal begins to fail, it will typically only leak while the engine is running, and the radiator fans blow the coolant around and dissipate it so you don't see drips on the ground below the car. Look for dried coolant residue on the front of the engine below the pump. The Airtex AW4124 pump from Rock Auto is the same part the Jaguar dealership will sell you but at a fraction of the price (under $40.00).

To check for leaks of the heater hoses under the intake manifold that RJ mentioned, shine a flashlight down through the spaces between the intake runners and look for either wet coolant or dried coolant residue. It's easier to see if you do it in the dark.

Cheers,

Don

 

Thank you for all of your response. I did the pressure test and found that it was the molded heater hoses that were leaking. Again thanks for your support