I have the smell of coolant at the front very faint but never the less I know that there is some coolant seeping. If by some chance it is the radiator is this a hard job???? Would you use Barrs stop leak the GM type 6 tablets into the system ??? Can the radiator be repaired or am I looking at a major $$$$$$repair bill. The car is 2000 VDP looks all factory with 80,000 miles I do not drive it much but I do not like coolant leaks, no wet spots on the garage floor. Owned the car since 2016 any suggestions.

Thanks Stuart

 

Do not use any "stop leak" additive it will gum up your entire system w/ time. Have a pressure test done to pinpoint the exact location of your leak there's multiple hoses,fittings that can leak.

 

+1, KC is absolutely correct on the stop leak. You put that in and you'll see what an expensive repair is all about. And as KC points out, check the fittings and hoses, those would be the most suspect. Remember, fluids take the path of least resistance and just because its winding up in the front doesn't necessarily mean that's where the issue is. It could easily be the drain plug or a Norma connection?
If it is the radiator, its fairly easy to remove and any radiator shop should be able to solder most any issue, pressure test and return at a reasonable rate. As for the $$$, you'd have to define what $$$ is to you.

 

Definitely with KC and Highhorse on the non-use of any sort of stop leak.

A small coolant leak can sometimes be hard to find, and it is easy to immediately suspect the radiator, especially in a 19 year old car, but I would first make a thorough inspection of all the hoses, and check each one for condition/softness/swelling and tightness of each hose clamp.

If a radiator is still the main suspect it is not a huge job to remove, and a good radiator shop should be able to perform an overhaul at a reasonable price......a few hundred bucks?
But if you need peace of mind a new radiator runs around $900.00
. https://www.jaguarmerriamparts.com/p...iagram=4721045

 

We all understand your frustration with the smell of coolant. But it is probably not the radiator. Look hard around the water pump, the thermostat housing, and back by the throttle body. These are far more common leaks. Also be very careful with those plastic hoses coming off the reservoir bottle (brittle is an antonym for Jaguar plastic!!).

Years ago, I replaced my water pump with a new one. It leaked. Installed another new one (a AC Delco), leak was gone. Then I had to flush the Bar leak out of the system before it clogged up my radiator and heater core . .

 

Thank you for the comments, I have given it a bit of thought and I think I will take it to the guy who works on the car and have him look at it. I am in agreement with you on the stop leak is at best an emergency a stop gap so I will take a pass on that. I have never owned one of these cars although I do know my way around a tool box so onward and upward as they say,
Thanks Stuart