Hi All, I have a 86 xjs v12 it needs a water pump replaced I would like to know if its a DIY project or should I seek help.. I can see it but it looks like a lot of things need to be taken out just to get it out.. if someone has done it can sorta tell me if they run into big problems I don't have a lift to look under it to see what has to be disconnected There.. well thanks for your time and help

 

Depends on how much money you want to spend...or save.


Might be a good time to take the hood off (makes it much easier to get to everything) and pull the radiator to ensure all debris is cleaned out between the A/C condenser and the radiator (major cause of overheating due to insufficient air flow). Also a good opportunity to change the fan blade out if it has never been done before. The original white plastic ones are known to fail.


It looks like a lot only because of how cramped everything is. You might be looking at a weekend project but will be well rewarded in reliability and money saved by doing it yourself. Tape and mark everything as you go and you will have no problems.

 

Well, it is possible when in the car, but it is easier with the radiator removed as you have then more access. You'll need to remove all the parts infront like fan, pulleys, fanbelts and the bypass pipe. And to make sure it really is sealed, you'll want to access it when installed as well...

As there are like 100000 screws holding it in place, you'll be wanting to see it all...

 

Especially #17 in this illustration, likely covered in gunk:

Water Pump Assembly-5.3 Litre - Parts For XJS from (V)139052 to (V)179736 | Jaguar Classic Parts UK


Cheers
DD

 

If you've replaced a water pump on any other car you can surely do so on your XJS V12. As other mention.....lots of stuff to remove. Just work slowly methodically, take pics and notes. You might wanna get a new lower radiator hose and new connector hoses for the crossover pipe ahead of time. And lots of rags and hand cleaner.

The lower hose connection at the radiator can be a stinker....you'll see.

No problem not having a lift but you will need to get under the car. Ramps will be fine.

Make sure to properly bleed the system when you're done. Essential !


Cheers
DD

 

What DD said is right on the only thing to add is rubber gloves

 

I add the following to Doug's and others needs:

Sense of humour.
Bandaids, heaps of them.
Alcohol, trust me, that will be needed.

I have done 6 now, and the first was a "laugh a minute":, as in, "surely there cannot be anything more holding it in place", but that screw Doug mentioned is the one that will catch you out.

First one was a weekender, and basically due to the other items, hoses, belts, etc that I simply did not pre-buy. The last one was 6 hours, but that car was mine, and it is has Efans, so maybe 4 hours reduced by having them.

My 2 cents of advice:

Is it the water pump that is leaking. There is a hose onm top, that connects to teh steel crosspipe, and they leak regularly, and the coolant runs around the pump. That steel cross pipe also rots out over time, and the same coolant tracking.

If the pump is noisy, OK, its toast, but V12 water pump failure is not high on anyones list of things.

 

Thanks DD..what do you mean bleeding the system.. know I can't get the bolts out of the clutch fan super tight. hahaha taking a break.. thanks again all