Just replaced my radiator on my 2000 xk8. The fluid that came from the oil cooler lines was a very dark brown. I assume it should be "pink" and it seems replacing is required. I am thinking about a "power flush" that will replace ALL the fluid via the cooler lines. Unfortunately it leaves the filter in the car. The other possibility is a traditional drain and fill. Which I assume would have to be done at least twice to get most of the old fluid out.

There are some post that the "power flush" can cause problems. Anyone have any experience with "flushing" all the fluid?

 

I've seen the mess that a Power Flush leaves behind. NEVER do a power flush! Those can force particulates into places where particulates should NEVER be. If you want more fluid changed than just a pan drop, DO the pan drop but don't change the pan/filter. Refill it up, drive 100 miles or so and THEN do a replace-the-pan and new fluid. It wont change ALL of the fluid, but the rest of the old will be diluted with new so much better than just the one change.

 

Transmissions are like Pit Bulls. You don't go poking at them unless they are already causing trouble. If they are causing trouble it's already too late.

 

 

Recently did a transmission drain and fill using an local indy mechanic, who charges $100 hr or flat rate, whichever is less. Labor cost was $125, representing 1.25 hr to do the work.
My '07 has but 41K miles, but it is ten years old. Figured a drain and fill is cheap insurance.

 

A few months ago I bought on eBay the kit that contains 6 quarts of the ZF ATF and the replacement plastic drain pan for my 2007, and had the fluid changed by a local independent servicer. Hence this was just a drain and replace operation.

If the OP's fluid did not smell burnt then it may not be that bad. I suggest that the OP obtain the correct pan and ZF fluid for his XK8 and look at the color of the new fluid before assuming that it is pink.

 

The ZF fluid in fact is not pink! It is a fairly dark colour right out of the bottle.

 

ZF fluid is a mineral oil and gold in color, think light beer.

 

Has there been a single case of transmissions problems on these ZFs? Seems like everyone suggests replacing the fluid pan and filter at 60k, but I have never heard someone who had a transmission failure in an XKR

 

As of 8/2013 ZF has recommended the following:
"ZF automatic transmissions are filled with specially developed semi-synthetic oils.
At very high operating temperatures, the oil ages faster than under normal conditions. Examples:
 Many trips at high speeds.
 Many trips with a trailer in tow.
 Sporty driving.
Depending on the driving style, ZF therefore recommends a transmission oil change every 80 000 to 120 000 km, or after 8 years at the latest."

Maintenance and repairs are two different things.

 

Wow mine should last forever. I can't check any of those boxes.

 

That just made me sad...

 

Edit.. Sorry wrong tread

 

Six years ago we had a forum meeting at Mackie Automatic Transmissions in Glasgow, Scotland.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/j...ssions-114845/

Mackie Automatic Transmissions are one of the top transmission rebuild and maintenance specialists in the UK. No UK Jaguar Dealer rebuilds transmissions - they all get sent to Mackie.

Mackie recommend power flushing BUT first drain the old fluid and remove the pan. The equipment they use heats the fluid and circulates it at low pressure until clean. Several forum members have used their service and there's never been a bad report.

Graham

 

Yes I was planning to have mine done by Mackies next Friday to coincide with Glasgow's Merchant City Festival (Jim recommended them)

A 400 mile drive each way (which in UK terms is quite a journey) but I have every faith in them as they were/are a ZF Master Centre (IIRC only one of 3 in the UK). I plan to do the journey early hours and arrive in time for a late breakfast

I booked it in Feb, but sadly, due to lockdown and them having a backlog, it'll have to wait until next year, car's only on 52k miles so can probs get away with it.