Last weekend my '99 XJ8 started profusely dumping coolant. The leak is to the point that I can completely fill the cooling system and within about ten minutes of drivinga low coolant warning appears. I could not trace the leak to any visible hoses or tubing or the radiator. Since I have an extended warranty I took the car to my local Jaguar dealer. The dealer says that the leak is around the thermostat housing,with a possible second leak around the coolant rail (I saw no evidence of a leak around the rail). Predictably they wanted to replace just about every tube and hose in the cooling system, and of course none of it was covered by my warranty. Had I handed them about $1,000 I could have left with a repaired car. Instead I brought the car home and I decided to try another route.

Is fixing this leak something I can tackle on my own or should I find another repair shop? Also, what parts am I likely to need (seals, gaskets, thermostat housing, etc.)? I assume that the housing lies beneath the plastic housing that covers the top of the engine, because I thought that I saw some steam rising from the top of the enginewhile the car was running and I smelled a strong odor of coolant. If I do it myself I also plan to replace the thermostat, since that is relatively cheap and I might as well if I'm already in there.

Thanks in advance.

 

From looking at my driveway it's going on the ground (perhaps the only positive thing about this). The bulk of the coolant seems to be dripping (perhaps "dripping" is an understatement - it's more like a small creek) near the front of the car - which may well point to the thermostat housing like the dealer said.

Ken - Where would I find the heater hoses? Although I amsomewhat proficient under the hood, I have not figured out where all the stuff on this car runs to. It seems that no one has a decent manual for the XJ8. I used Haynes manuals for years when I owned Volvos, but they don't have one on this car.

I was just looking on your company's website for parts for this, BTW.

 

Thanks. Just placed my parts order after confirming with him that I had a complete and accurate list. The total cost is about $130 - a heck of a lot better than the $1,000 the dealer quoted me.

I appreciate everyone's input. This is a great forum for getting help.