I'm planning on taking my '85 XJ6 in for a oil change and a radiator flush on Monday. I typically do this with all of my "new" cars, but since this is an old Jaguar I thought I should ask those with experience... Is there any reason I should NOT do this?

Thanks,

-mB

 

No reason I can think of.

Whilst the radiator is out I would be renewing ALL the hoses, and the belts.

 

 

I think Mike means an in the car flush as the Jiffy Lube type shops do.


Some a bit pricey, but useful. Some rejuvenate the coolant as opposed to fresh stuff.


Useful, as in the drive flushes of yore are no longer wise. the environment and the glycol is really bad for animals.


I got my Jaguar done. The rascals busted a plug and remained silent about it!!
I thought it left running just a tad ragged. The busted one was apparently firing some times and some times not. 7 outta 8.


Carl




Carl

 

If this is what you plan on doing, go to a reputable shop! Not a jiffy lube type place. They hire any warm body that will show up on time, regardless of expirience(or lack of)

 

OOOOOH, my bad.

We dont have them down here, no savvy.

If thats the case, BAD idea.

 

Mine wasn't a "Jiffy Lube' type place! it was a nationwide tire outfit with additional services. As they replaced a bent axle ion my jeep when it was there for new tires, and had done an admirable job, I trusted them with the Jaguar.


A bit irritated, was I but, I had little trouble in installing anew plug. and the messy coolant swap had gone well. so, on balance, not bad..


I did go at one time to a "Jiffy Lube" type place. Chaos and lack of courteous attention by the gal on the desk, caused me to leave. Turn around in a limited space caused some consternation....


Carl

 

Hmm... The place I was planning on going to is a Brakes Plus, not a Jiffy Lube but not a "real" mechanic either.

What should I be concerned about, that they might screw up? Are there any "tricks" to the cooling system in these cars, things that wouldn't apply to an ordinary car?

-mB

 

Nope. The cooling system is as plain as mud. Nothing exotic at all


Cheers
DD

 

Thanks Doug, et al. I figure it's always better to check with the experts on these cars.

-mB

 

If this is a 'new' car for you, just be aware that doing a flush might lift sediment or anything else that has been resting for a while, maybe even disturb old brittle hoses, so after it has been done, periodically check it over for new leaks from split hoses, water pump area or the radiator itself.


A couple of new cooling system hoses might be worth changing at the same time if you don't know the history, cheap insurance.


But for just a simple, radiator hose off and thermostat out flush, I cant see there being any issues apart from old hoses, you wont really remove any sediment that has built up in the bottom of the radiator unless you remove the core and get it professionally flushed.


If its a 'new' to you car as well, I'd also suggest brake fluid flush too, that's something that should be done every couple of years at the most, being that it absorbs water over time.