Good to hear ...... keep a close eye on the cooling system.

Do you know the history of the water pump and the thermostat and its housing?

 

I believe their all original still.

 

the v8 water pumps where only an issue on the early later 90's. theyre not an issue on yours. theyre still plastic impeller, but totally diff material. they no longer come apart anymore nor should they be a concern anymore unless leaking. the plastic impellers give better cooling do to their design over stamped steel. I would not switch to a stamped steel unit. they cavitate and offer less flow. you nay not see an issue, you have to know theyre a better design.
now on the t stat housing, its plastic and it and the crossover pipe should be change when they leak, period. I youre gonna remove them for something I would replace at the same time. otherwise they fine until theyre leaking. then replace them both

 

How big a job is it to replace the T-stat?

Do we have a good source on the metal housing?


Found this-->http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/rafr...parttype=10337

 

The thermostat/water pump is one of the least expensive parts on the Jaguar line principally because it picked up a standard Ford design. Available almost anywhere.

The thermostat replacement is not a problem at all. Couple techs recommend cutting the 'jiggle' valve off, if it comes with one, leaving only the small hole for cool down water circulation.

Brutal is right about the plastic housing and pipe. Any sign of a leak and it is fix it now or fix it later.

Several sources on line for the aluminum housing. I would suggest you paint it black before installing as the bright aluminum looks out of place on the black engine.

 

non hijack question, are there lower temp Tstats available? thinking Ford LS?

 

Lower than 170?

I found the 170 online for $17.00

 

Do I need to use gasket sealant on the housing?

 

The problems you are speaking of are on your mothers 1998 not your 2003 correct?

The 98's did have a water pump issue -- I owned one. Your 2003 is fine and you don't have a plastic pipe on the thermostat in the XJR.


I have never heard of the cross use of the Ford Thermostat --- I would check this ..... Lost of problems with cheap thermostats .... not something I play around with and the proper thermostat should not require nor should you do any modification to it .......

 

Yes, the 1998. I have a 2003 XJ8 VDP and the housing is also plastic.(I think)

 

Oh sorry -- I read the 03 VDP and was thinking XJR ------ only the supercharged cars come with the aluminum cover. You will have the plastic

And the 2003's will have the latest pump.