Coolant small through HVAC
 

I drive a 2010 XK 5.0 with about 65,000 miles. Beginning last week I can smell antifreeze through the vents while driving. The smell seems to get stronger after driving the car hard/at high RPMs. However, there's no obvious visual signs of coolant under the car or in the engine bay nor is there any steam from under the hood. The coolant level in the tank isn't low and the coolant isn't noticeably discolored. What else should I check? How concerned should I be?

When was the water pump replaced? If you don't know, you're probably due soon. I suggest that you have your cooling system pressure tested for leaks, as rubber hoses deteriorate over time. A slow leak can come from many places. If your car overheats, stop immediately, shut off the engine and don't drive it since that will cause catastrophic internal engine damage.

Thanks for suggesting a pressure test. It's super frustrating that these cars don't have a temperature gauge.

On these engines, what sort of symptoms should I be on the lookout for that might indicate a failed or failing water pump? What other maintenance should be done when replacing the pump?

Thanks!

For less than $30 bucks you can get a device that plugs into your obd2 port and will tell you what temps you are running, and it is wireless.

The 5.0 has a history of water pump issues but other than design, not much difference in what to look for. They have a weep hole @ the water pump. Remove the under scuttle and do a visual search. Follow Stuart's advice and pressure check the system. Use a UV dye too as it sounds like your leak is small. Leaks that are so small and have no noticeable coolant level change is your warning and you're obviously trying to address it. You also want to consider replacing the hoses as Stuart suggests and another weak point in the coolant system is the nipple on the reservoir, though not so much a weak point imo, as your car is now 10 years old.

Check out this thread if you're going to replace the pump. You want the most recent iteration.
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...number-207147/

Also, follow Canadcat's advice and get an OBD II adapter and have Torque Pro set up on your phone. You can see the coolant temp but more importantly, you can set temp alarms. If they have a Klaxon setting, use it. If you follow this thread, you can also set up the App to read the oil temp and trans temp.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/g...p-more-213503/

Look for dampness inside the blower motor? You can have it out inside of 2 mins.

I have this setup but wired.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.jag...9d25cffda8.jpg

Costs $12.:-)