Hello all.
I just bought a high mileage (142K miles) 98 XJ8. It just had the TB chain tensioners and transmission drum jobs done months before I purchased it.
I have no idea about the water pump.
Should I just change it and be done? Do I wait for some symptoms?
If I do change it, what else is mandatory WYIT stuff, and what is optional?
I don't mind spending a some money and time making it right, but I don't want to spend money, just to spend money.
Thanks for any help,

 

i just learned a few hard lessons that waiting until the issue breaking down entire car's mechanism and a costly fix. just my opinion

wont hurt as a preventive measure

 

Waterpump, T-stat, and metal housing replacement/upgrade is a cheap date. DIY project Bb. Just my 2 cents

 

I agree with bigcat, and throw in the serpentine belt. Not a bad job, not a lot of money, worth the peace of mind. The only tricky part is the bolts for the t-stat housing and there are a bunch of posts about that.

 

I would say do it! About $100 for a new water pump and $50 for a new metal T-stat housing which in the long run will save you from a blown head gasket. I've heard of the fins on the water pump falling apart because they are plastic originally and blowing the head gasket. A revised pump should have steel fins. Bad water pump might give no warning...

 

Ok, so I'm in. I will be doing it myself.
Do I need to do hoses, belt tensioner and pulley as well? Obviously I'm replacing the coolant.
All of these things necessary?

 

cant hurt. To me that's a "while you're in there" sorta fix so why not?

 

Well, the obvious answer is because it costs more. Not that I won't do it, but lots of things want my money...

 

The belt tensioner and idler are easy enough to do separately if they make noise, and are not likely to result in catastrophic failure. Make sure you get a new thermostat with the housing, they tend to fail in closed position.

 

Forgot hoses. The octopus is a big job, but the short one to the cross connector definitely, and take a careful look at that plastic connector, it gets brittle with age. The other hoses at least should be inspected.

 

I'll start ordering parts.
I've been searching, can anyone tell me where to find the best write-up for this job?
Thanks again, guys.

 

More than a fair response. I just remember on my e46 it seemed like stuff I didnt replace would crap out two weeks later. That car was a mess in general though

 

The last thing I want to do is be penny wise and pound foolish, but since I am not even sure that my car needs the service, I do not want to throw more than I have to at it.

I just figured with the chain tensioner, transmission drum, and the waterpump all addressed, (plus the lower ball joints I just ordered) that I'll have a pretty good start.