Trying to do a radiator flush. Never done it on this car but have on others. On a Chevy, the radiator cap is at the top of the radiator and the drain **** is at the bottom. I can find neither of these on my AJ6 engine. Nor can I find any clear and precise instructions on this procedure.

Can anyone provide some instructions on how to drain and refill my radiator? I'm having no cooling problems at all. Just doing routine maintenance.

 

I'd like to know too.
I have a 95 Xjs. I'm assuming you have to remove the lower rad hose and flush from the coolant resivor.

 

That appears to be the case, Jimmy. I ran out of time and haven't done the flush yet. There's some pretty detailed info here and I have attached a service manual from another source.

Remember to use distilled water to inhibit rust as the head bolts go through the water jacket and rust buildup is a known problem with getting the head off. Also, you need phosphate-free coolant--don't remember why but they have it at NAPA.

Good luck. If you do the flush, post back how it went. I'd really be interested.
Steve

 

Thanks for the information.
That was exactly what I was looking for. I already bought 3 gallons ionized water and the right coolant. I was tempted to do a chemical flush but opted out as the chemical used reacts with aluminum.
I also bought a bottle of water pump conditioner. Any thoughts on that?

 

I'm no expert on any of this, Jim, so you will want to double-check my opinion.

One of the reasons you never want to run an engine without antifreeze is the stuff does more than prevent the engine from freezing and overheating. It also protects from corrosion and, according to the link I sent you, acts as a water-pump seal conditioner. The general consensus is, as long as you change your coolant every couple of years, you're fine. If not, best to do a flush and put in new coolant.

Personally, I don't think you need it and if you haven't opened it, see if the place you got it will take it back. I wouldn't put it in my car in any case as I have found no such suggestion on any Jag forums or maintenance literature.

I get the impression you're a new Jag owner and if so, welcome to the club. I've had Eleanor for two years now and I really love her. She requires some careful maintenance but I have a wife too so I'm used to it. I get compliments on her everywhere.

Cheers!
Steve

 

Not wishing to change focus for this thread...but...all this talk of rad caps on the facelifts (mine is a 92 4liter) makes me a total numbskull, because I cannot even find the rad cap on mine. Yes there is a coolant reservoir but that's it.
Am I missing something in plain view ?

Gerry T.

 

That's it. The XJS has a pressurized cooling system so all access is through the reservoir.

The bad news is there is no drainc**k so you have to take off the lower hose. There is a drain plug in the block, though. Don't forget about that.

Let me know how is goes.

 

Thank you for posting the article on "How to flush a radiator ". I have never done one before and want to give it a try .Question: Is it the same procedure on a 96 then on a 94?
Terry

 

AFAICT, your car has the AJ16 motor, too. I assume the procedure would be the same. I'd do some more research, though.

She's beautiful, BTW. Does she have a name?