1990 XJS V 12 convertible 62,000 miles
Noticed yesterday while in very slow moving traffic steam coming from passenger side fender well. Anyone know where it is leaking at?
Thank you.

 

macdoesit,

I've moved this post from General Tech Help to XJS section where it should get a faster response from members with the same model as you.

Graham

 

Thank you. Is it possible to delete your own thread?
Is it possible to send private messages to members?
Thank you.

 

This is where the overflow tank is located, and the car was possibly overheating a little?

 

Found it hose on top back of motor. heat gauge read normal 1/4" below normal mark

 

I always thought all that overflow/header tank stuff was still on the LH side, or "drivers side" up there, or did they move all that as well when they switched steering position??????.

 

On the drivers side on mine, it is "American" LH

 

Good find.

Now listen VERY carefully.

Go to your TO DO list, and put at the top, right at the top, ALL THE COOLANT HOSES, and CLAMPS, and get them ALL, and change them ALL. The V12 will love you for it, as will your wallet, as compared to one hose at a time, and the risk of overheating that engine is just waaaaaay toooooo scary for my old brain.

Obviously, your car, your choice.

 

Grant should point out that changing ALL hoses (an absolute necessity if you want your V12 to last you a long time) is one bottom hose, 2 top hoses, 2 short hoses at your filler neck ends, 1 IMPOSSIBLE hose from filler neck to top of water pump (easiest way is to unbolt your A/C compressor and lever it up out of the way to change this hose), 2 small hoses to your expansion tank and a short piece of L shaped hose is sometimes there, one small overflow hose from main filler neck to radiator (happens to be different sizes on each end), heater hose into heater and return line from heater, and, while you are at it, replace the overflow line from the expansion tank to the holding tank behind your fender well. Not trying to scare you off here, this just should be done as a matter of course each 60 or 70K at least. And, since you have to remove all the belts to get to this "stuff", you may as well replace the belts and possible the fan clutch. If the car has upwards of 70 or 80K on it, you would be wise to go ahead and replace the water pump as well. V12's are "cooling" sensitive and if you are going to do it, may as well do it right.
parts to accomplish all of this, including a water pump and fan clutch (check partsgeek for these) is still less than $300.00 U.S. Oh, almost forgot, all of this will take about 10 or 12 hours. Happy hosing. :-)

 

Oh, almost forgot. While you have it apart and access is relatively simple, take the expansion tank off and examine it (notorious for rusting out). if it is in good condition a good bead blasting and a couple of coats of Black enamel will keep it in good condition. Oh,oh,oh....where you power steering pump adjusting bracket is mounted is at (on most anyway) top of the water pump and uses one of the water pump studs to mount to. It is mild steel and will ring off if you aren't careful...coat it good with a penetrating oil for a day or so before you attempt.
I think I am through with my dissertation now. XJS's are fabulous automobiles, just need TLC.

 

One more thing. If the expansion tank isn't good, they are on eBay for i think around $100.00 US. You can also order one from Discount Auto Parts Online -- PartsGeek.com - Domestic & Import Auto Parts Warehouse.
Damn, I am tired now. :-)

 

Did I miss anything Y'all???

 

HELL, I NEED A BEER OR MAYBE A SLAB.

The atmospheric tank, inside the LH guard panel, is probably FULL of mud, and since its plastic, remove it, flush it out, and re-install.

None of us are trying to scare the hell out of you, REALLY, just that overheating these engines can occur in a blink of the eye, and you will NEVER see the gauge even flutter, its not that sensitive.

Once done, and done RIGHT, they are more reliable than most cars, well down here they are. I have many V12's over the years, and hoses/belts/radiator clean on day one of ownership has always paid huge dividends for me.

 

1. you can't delete your own thread but any of the Mod team can delete it for you
2. to send a Private Message, click on the member's name in any of their posts. A dialogue box opens:



3. select "send private message to...." (arrowed in red) and the following opens:



Note the recipient's name is already there. Enter the message text and press Submit message button at the bottom.

Graham

 

The OP better hurry up before the list gets any longer

 

I'm thinking it was heater hose 1 1/4" it connects to a cone shaped canister that has a lever and cable. Changed it with one not the same shape works no kink in hose no more steam.
Thank you for all the help and info.

 

I forget now what and why I wanted to delete.