Hey gents:

I am in the process of transferring all my service records for my cars to a phone app. Sadly, last year I lost lots and lots of records (including some original manuals, passport to service etc) during a move.

With what I have left from the meticulous records of the XJS, it looks like the last time I had the coolant completely flushed was 2012 when the radiator was R&R’d by my shop. Not too many miles traveled since then, and I do know that I have purchased the DOW 542 (part JLM204043) from the dealer several more times since then, as I have replaced thermostats on a couple of occasions, Replaced leaking hoses, and I always have a habit of completely draining the reservoir with a turkey baster and refilling it with fresh coolant and distilled water every so often. I just did it today as a matter of fact.

I know that some older fluids required a more strict schedule, but that is no longer the case with some more modern formulations.....and I really don’t want to remove that bottom hose to drain the all the coolant. So before I go running of to the mechanic ;

Does anyone know if the Jaguar DOW 542 is a long life fluid?

Thanks!

 

I'm surprised you don't just have regular universal green in your XJS. The cars that used DOW542 have a coolant service interval of 4 years. The XJS is more likely 2.
With that coolant in the system, I would stick to 4 years, but check the voltage every year.

 

If I recall correctly this was a TSB that was done by the dealer when my grandfather still owned the car. All green Fluid cars under warranty where changed to yellow Dow542. At least I remember seeing that in some now lost records.

I do “renew” it by draining the reservoir occasionally, but I guess it’s time for a full flush.

 

I buy the 960,000 mile coolant rated to meet/exceed CAT ELC specifications at semi-truck dealerships, great place to buy quality fluids and filters nearly at cost. No silica or gels in this stuff it lasts as long as it says under extreme conditions.

 

I hear the Peak Long Life is suitable for our cars, it is very reasonably priced at Pilot Travel Centers for instance (and in many other places across US).

 

The car came from the factory with green, and thru a recall she was drained and refilled with yellow DOW542 and has had the same ever since...... I may be incorrect, but I really don’t like putting different formulations in a car unless completely necessary. I don’t know how it’s going to react internally even if flushed.....if I could find who makes the DOW542 for Jaguar that would be great, but it looks like tons of other folks have been unsuccessful trying to figure out the same thing.

Well, I was able to drain nearly two gallons with a little hand pump going thru the bottom hose of the reservoir. I will do it all again in month to make sure my it’s all renewed.