Thanks for the lead. Apparently Snap-On has changed the link. I just found the crowfoot on Snap-On's website under part no. TMCOM8. Thanks again for the help.

 

Indeed....a tool for every job as they say.

 

Yes - my 2001 XK8 also had antifreeze inside the hex drive on the cap. Apparently, there was a hairline crack in the housing, and I guess some antifreeze sprayed out and filled the hex. I bought the aftermarket aluminum kit, and that took care of the problem. You will still need an 8mm crowsfoot, if you don't want to remove the intake manifold, assuming your 4.0L engine is like mine. Here is the ordering info for Snap-On:

P/N : TMCOM8
Desc : Wrench, Metric, Crowfoot, Open End, 8 mm
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....e&tool=all

Torque is 8-10 Newton Meters (Nm) = 71 - 88 inch pounds for the bolts with the 8mm hex head. No gasket sealer is required. The kit comes with the o-ring type seal.

You can get the aluminum kit from Welsh Enterprises for $69.95

https://www.welshent.com/ViewProduct...egory_ID=13116





Part Number:

AJ8-2217-KIT

Hope this helps.

 

I think I did the job in 4 or 5 hours, taking my time. Of course, I had to get new antifreeze, so I didn't have to reuse the old that I drained out. I did not replace the thermostat, since it was working properly. It's pretty easy to get to.

The drain on the radiator was hard to locate, but I finally found it on the RH (passenger) side. Again, I have a n XK8, and it may be different on yours.

 

Sorry to resurrect this old thread, but will the "crows foot wrench" technique work on a 2005 model with the 4.2L engine? I realize the housing design is different, but it still extends under the manifold.

Thanks!

 

I hope this helps http://www.gusglikas.com/AutoRepairTherHousing.htm

 

Thanks for the help. It is for the earlier model, but definitely gives me an idea what I'm up against!

 

Been reading the thread. I discovered I had a bad thermostat, ordered a new one from Coventry West and began to take the housing off. Wow, surprised to realize this and the water pump housing was plastic! Also when loosening one bolt the entire insert came out. Couldn't believe this cheap crap on a Jag. Decided I'm not dealing with this possibility again so ordered from CW their aftermarket aluminum water pump housing and thermostat housing. I have a Jag tech in my city and one not too far away to try and beat dealer cost. Just felt going aftermarket items best way to go and drop the plastic.
Bill

 

Looks like my t-stat leak is going to require a new tower. I note there is a plastic version and an aluminum one at motorcarsltd.com. IS the aly one the best option based on all your experiences? Also is there a post somewhere that goes step by step on replacing the thermostat housing and what parts to order?
Many thanks, I just don't want to mess up anything!

 

Yes! Scroll up to my previous post #31 it the third one up from this post. If you are unable to find it go to my web page.

 

Great - Thanks Gus - missed it the first time I read the posts.

 

Hardest thing to find is 8 mm crows foot. Snap On doesn't have it any more, online search results are non-existent. Went by Harbor Tools shop - they show a set but the store doesn't carry it!

Waiting for the t-stat parts anyway...

 

When a push becomes a shove heat and bend an 8MM open end. It worked for me!

 

Gus - Thanks, I went back to the Snap On Tools website. Although the search function doesn't find the 8 mm, when I searched for "crows foot wrenches" and scrolled down I found the wrench. So on its way for $16.

By the way, you drained the coolant via the plug at the bottom of the radiator right side, correct?

 

Yes that is correct.