I have a 1999 XJ 8L and I can smell antifreeze/steam after driving the car and shutting it down. Also have to put about 20 oz of antifreeze every 3-4weeks.Any suggestions/Help?

 

I had a leak @ the plastic t-stat tower/housing seam, it wasn't visible until I had to dig in there to replace a knock sensor. I was adding coolant about every 600 miles or so. Replaced the housing & no more issues.

 

Thank you. I will get right on that in the AM.

 

There are a lot of places that can leak without being obvious. If you can locate a shop that can perform a pressure test that is usually the quickest way to fix a leak without throwing parts at the car.

The tstat tower is certainly a common source of trouble, and replacing it with an aluminum one with new tstat is always a good idea.

 

Yes mine was quite baffling I had a pressure test done & nothing was detected, yet my adding coolant after 500-600 miles ritual continued. Then my passenger knock sensor went out & upon removing & it we noticed dried coolant down in the KS region, traced it to the tower, it was a minuscule breach @ the seem.

That low coolant light was a thorn in my side for monthes prior to the knock sensor reveal lol.

 

A common one is the bottom of the coolant reservoir. I have seen it on both my XJR, and the XJ8.. Hoping a new reservoir and better clamps fix my issue.

 

I replaced the water pump and had this problem. Changed to a AC Delco pump, instead, and the problem was fixed.