I'm doing a head gasket renew on a very clean garage kept 91 XJ,and I found that the head gasket set does not include a gasket for the coolant manifold that bolts to the front left side of the head casting.

I also can not find one listed on the parts diagrams that I can find on line and dealer says NLA.

Anyone have a heads up where to buy one?

Thanks in advance.

 

Hi porschefixer,

Jaguar calls that manifold the "water rail," Part 1 in this diagram from jaguarclassicparts.com:



The gaskets, Part 17, are part number EAC9745, and I think two (2) are required. Jaguarmerriamparts.com, the Jaguar dealer in Merriam, Kansas, shows them as still available for $1.76 each (they'll probably have to order them from the North America warehouse in New Jersey - often they still have parts that are NLA in the U.K.):

www.jaguarmerriamparts.com/parts/index.cfm?siteid=215718


If it turns out that the gaskets truly are NLA, I don't know why you couldn't just seal those ports with Permatex Ultra Grey RTV Silicone sealant - it works great on the thermostat housing. As you probably know already, take care to use just enough sealant to form a good seal without forming squeeze-out globs that will break off inside the cooling system and clog something like the heater core.

Cheers,

Don

 

Don, the water rail bolts to the block, I think the OP is looking for the thermostat assembly?
Up front ...it bolts up to the head.

I think a lot of folks (me incuded!) would leave it attached to the head when doing a gasket job - but - if I pulled it I'd probably cut myself a new one (if it wasn't in the set) or just use some permatex ...


edit: I just found out there's a "supplementary" gasket set and it sure looks like it includes the gasket the OP is looking for ..little bit on the pricey side though!!!

Supplementary Gasket Set-4.0 Litre - Parts For XJ6 & XJ12 from (V)667829 to (V)708757 - Canada/USA | Jaguar Classic Parts UK


HTH

Larry

 

Larry,

I think you're right! I missed the word "front" in the OP's phrase "front left side." I only saw "coolant manifold" and "left side of the head casting." I'm glad you are a more careful reader than I!

In my defense, I desperately needed a nap and kept falling asleep while I was trying to write my reply. I guess I shouldn't have replied in that condition!

Cheers,

Don