Hi fellows,

I just picked up my 2001 XJ8 from the shop because of a burning
smell. They diagnosed the problem as the water distribution pipe
needs to be replace. They wanted almost $1200 to replace this
simple looking part that cost around $65.

Since it's located right on top with easy access, I've thought
about trying to replace it myself.

Any insight/advice?

 

ARE YOU TALKING THE CROSSOVER PIPE THAT GOES FROM HEAD TO HEAD IN FRONT, OR THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING, THERES NO REASON TO CHRGE THAT MUCH IF IT IS THE CROSS OVER PIPE, HOW DID THEY JUSTIFY THAT LABOR COST?

 

Not sure but here's a list of parts they were planning on using

bypass hose
radiator hose
thermostat housing T
2 theromstat housing C
water outlet o-ring
thermostat
thermostat o-ring
water outlet o-ring
water distribution pipe

 

the plastic pipes, t stat housing tend to kinda dissintegrate and get really soft with time. So they were shouting the housing, crossover pipe, rad hoses, but should be doing the heater hoses that go under the intake since you have to lift the intake to get the back 2 bolts out of the t stat housing, so might as well also change these hoses too. Yes you could do it, its alittle bit of a PIA if you dont know the tricks, and or are short on patience, cause the back clamps on the heater hoses are difficult

 

BRUTAL

Quick Question:

Is the crossover pipe and the water distribution pipe the same thing? Because on the previous receipt it says they replaced, Water pump and coolant/crossover pipe

Are they trying to charge me twice for the same repair?

 

'Scuse me for butting in.

Manufacturers use different nomenclature, and sometimes mechanics employ jargon, to identify various components. Even the part numbers change from time to time, but those will always get you to the truth.

Jaguar cataloging identifies the plastic crosoverpipe at the front of the cylinder heads:

Outlet pipe AJ8 2216

Turns out this part number for the same item supercedes to:

Outlet pipe AJ8 5885

Jaguar suggested list price is $56.00 for this item.

It's more difficult for a customer to establish a fair labor time for specific repairs, that information is not so readily accessable to my knowledge. But any estimate, and certainly any repair invoice, should list the part numbers of components used in the repair. That way you can verify pricing independentlyif you wish, and certainly make sure you aren't paying twice for the same parts replacement.

Alot of shops (and someparts suppliers) sell items far in excess of Jaguar list prices, and I'm not sure how they can get away with it in this information age. I have customers come in regularly who have either sourced their own parts, or who will call to my attention a better aftermarketprice for anitem I have estimated. And I always have to research new parts prices when I am selling used parts, to make sure that I am offering a substantial savings.

All of this becomes moot once you find a shop you can trust, and it doen't read like you have one yet. Ask them for the factory part numbers and do a little homework.

 

Remember, MSRP, is a just a suggested retail price. It's not law. Anyone can charge what the want for parts. Shop around and find someone you trust. Believe me, there will always be a higher and lower price than what you find.