1981 XJS Anti freeze leak from front left wheel well
#1
06-30-2014, 04:06 AM
1981 XJS Anti freeze leak from front left wheel well
Just bought a 1981 XJX 4.2, did a long (300 km) drive, when I parked, I could see about a cup of green liquid on the ground (it LOOKS like anti freeze).
I looked carefully, and saw that the liquid was hitting the front of the front left tire.
I got on my back and peered up and discovered a small platistic container (like a small fat box of cereal) that appears to be the source of the leak.
What the hey?? Does anyone know what this thing is? And why is it in the Wheel well???
I am REASONABLY mechanically inclined (used to rip VW engines down to the crank) but I am at the beginning of a long steep learning curve with this gorgeous Jag. Thank you, and forgive me if this is posted in the wrong section.
I am brand spanking new.
I looked carefully, and saw that the liquid was hitting the front of the front left tire.
I got on my back and peered up and discovered a small platistic container (like a small fat box of cereal) that appears to be the source of the leak.
What the hey?? Does anyone know what this thing is? And why is it in the Wheel well???
I am REASONABLY mechanically inclined (used to rip VW engines down to the crank) but I am at the beginning of a long steep learning curve with this gorgeous Jag. Thank you, and forgive me if this is posted in the wrong section.
I am brand spanking new.
#2
06-30-2014, 05:44 AM
Welcome.
Some clarification is needed, I think.
Your description of your car leads me to it being an XJ6 4.2ltr Sedan?, Series 3, correct?.
The XJ-S is a 2 door Coupe, and never got taht 6 cylinder engine from the factory.
That plastic tank is ALSO S3 Sedan specific.
It is the atmospheric overflow tank. It is supplied by a hose from the metal header tank just inside in the engine bay. The coolant goes TO this storage bottle when hot, and RETURNS to the header tank when it cools, via the small hose. Well, thats the theory. The integrity of the 2 seals on the pressure cap, and the hose itself are critical for that theory to be actual.
Damage from road kill etc is common. Thus the leakage.
Overfilling from too much coolant transferring is also an issue in some cars.
Doug will slide in soon and he is the S3 Guru, and will add/remove as required.
Some clarification is needed, I think.
Your description of your car leads me to it being an XJ6 4.2ltr Sedan?, Series 3, correct?.
The XJ-S is a 2 door Coupe, and never got taht 6 cylinder engine from the factory.
That plastic tank is ALSO S3 Sedan specific.
It is the atmospheric overflow tank. It is supplied by a hose from the metal header tank just inside in the engine bay. The coolant goes TO this storage bottle when hot, and RETURNS to the header tank when it cools, via the small hose. Well, thats the theory. The integrity of the 2 seals on the pressure cap, and the hose itself are critical for that theory to be actual.
Damage from road kill etc is common. Thus the leakage.
Overfilling from too much coolant transferring is also an issue in some cars.
Doug will slide in soon and he is the S3 Guru, and will add/remove as required.
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Vancouver777 (06-30-2014)
#3
06-30-2014, 07:20 AM
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Grant Francis (06-30-2014)
#4
06-30-2014, 02:01 PM
Thank you to Grant
Yes - I had the name of my Jag wrong?!? It is an XJ6 4.2, that is not corrected on my "signature".
YES - everything you said made perfect sense. By wigging the hose, I thought that little container in the wheel well was hooked to the antifreeze tank, but man...I couldn't figure out.
I bought this car off an old chap on the other side of town, and I was going to try to find a mechanic closer to me, but he used a place called "Silk Cat" that specialists in Jags. I have all his receipts and they look completely reasonable, so I think I will just take it back there when it needs service.
They know Jags, and they know this car.
Your information was VERY helpful.
Thank you,
YES - everything you said made perfect sense. By wigging the hose, I thought that little container in the wheel well was hooked to the antifreeze tank, but man...I couldn't figure out.
I bought this car off an old chap on the other side of town, and I was going to try to find a mechanic closer to me, but he used a place called "Silk Cat" that specialists in Jags. I have all his receipts and they look completely reasonable, so I think I will just take it back there when it needs service.
They know Jags, and they know this car.
Your information was VERY helpful.
Thank you,
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