2000 xj8 3.2
Where oh where, can one get an 8 mm spanner to do thermostat housing change in UK without spending enough to change the entire car instead.

 

Well, I know this may sound rough, but removing the intake manifold is not that bad. I needed to replace the part load breather hose anyway and replaced the two heater hoses that run under there too as well as the thermo housing. Just a thought.

 

Blow torch and a vice is your friend. It's not your tools it's how you use them.

Me, I bought 8mm (and 10mm) spanners for a few quid and bent them, game over.

Don't drop the intake unless you've got new inlet gaskets and throttle gaskets. (Sorry Jimmy

 

A 10mm spanner? From the many references in these forums, I understood it to be 8mm. But thank you both for your help, whichever I put into practice. Much appreciated.

 

It was four 8mm bolts on the XK8. The 10mm might be a typo in Sean B's post but his advice on modifying a spanner is sound. I couldn't find a crows foot under Ł25 in the UK.

Graham

 

8PC CROWS FOOT WRENCH SET PLUS RAIL: Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

 

Got to say I have a full set of metric and AF crows feet, super handy kit and for the Jaguar owner essential - brake lines are no longer an issue.

 

Steve that set only goes down to 10mm OP needed an 8mm - these look handy kit!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Flexible-Cro...178615&sr=1-21

 

A propane torch, a vise and a pair of pliers, followed by a grinding wheel was my method. I made two, one with the open end and one with the box end bent.

I think a better method was posted here by someone (I can't remember who). Break the old plastic part off with a pliers,or a chisel and hammer. That allows you to get to the bolts. Then, when re-installing the new, metal riser, use socket head cap screws and a ball head driver. I guarantee that is the method I will use next time, even though I have the crows feet I made!

 

I think motorcarman mentioned using the shorter front bolts to the rear for clearance, that's a handy tip.

 

I thought the general opinion was that they're 10 mm.
Like the set you found.

 

Thanks for all your very useful tips guys.I have found an 8 mm crows foot on Snap-On site, for only Ł12.60 (ish). But as they're out of stock, it will take up to 3 or 4 weeks to deliver. Too long, so will make one using your helpful advice above. The idea about breaking the old one off is great. It's not as if you'll be needing it again!!(as long as you don't drop any bits down into the system.) Slightly off thread, but in the same vein, can anyone tell me how to get to the heater pump to remove it, tucked away as it is under there!!

 

easier to move the header tank out of the way first, but don't disconnect the lines, just tie it to the wiper arm with string.

 

If you don't find one anywhere else, I bought mine from Snap On Tools.

 

Update.
Job done. Bent 8mm spanner worked a treat. Now updated to metal housing and new thermostat. Thank you all so very much for your help and very valid tips. You guys are awesome.