So my Uncle's XK8 is now leaking out of the octopus hose, and the hose itself definitely should be replaced. Years ago, I just repaired the O Ring on my '01 Silverstone at the Norma connector, but I now know with the age of the hose it's time for a replacement on both cars.

First up is my Uncle's XK8.

My question is: what hose to buy? I've been *told* that these hoses are the same as OEM Jaguar: https://www.autohausaz.com/pn/642_20...SABEgJmB_D_BwE

What says the group, any good? Obviously the one that's in it has lasted 19 years.

Also, any tips and tricks on replacement? I know its a bunch of close to the firewall/over the tranny tunnel work. I have a hose clamp remote pliers as well as a AC line disconnect kit for the Norma connectors, etc., but didn't know if anyone had any tips for me. I'm pretty mechanical but experience is always welcomed for the first go at something.

Much appreciated and happy motoring.

 

This job can be a real 'while you're in there' - how deep do you want to dig? If the valley hoses are of the same vintage then consider changing them too, although it's quite a bit more work as the inlet manifold needs to come off.

The price Autohaus is showing is pretty much what the dealers will charge so it might be worth checking them out also?

It's all a bit cramped back there, so I'd recommend removing the TB (be careful with the part-load breather). I also moved the row of connectors at the top of the transmission to give a little more wriggle room.

The Norma connectors shouldn't be a challenge: the more complicated one over the RHS cat will likely fall apart when you try to disconnect it, and the other is a simple 'twist 90 degrees and pull'. The other half of it is on a small tee piece (NNE3944BA) which I'd also recommend changing. It's unusually cheap at around $4-5 and they are known to crack and leak.

Once you have all the octopus ends disconnected, beware of the zip tie that is hiding under the transmission tunnel before you try to pull it clear. It's looped around the octopus to catch us out


Have some clean paper towels and skin cream handy for your knuckles afterwards...

 

Thank you Michael, wow, that is exactly what I'm looking for, what a wealth of actual experience (you can't stress that enough). Definitely going to purchase the Tee Piece; and after reading the forums, I'm going to tackle the Valley hoses as well. This is a sentimental car formerly owned by my Grandad when he was with us, now owned by my Uncle, and I don't want to leave him stranded somewhere in the Florida heat.

Here is a list of parts I've assembled, is there anything else I should consider "while I'm in there"? He already had the thermostat tower replaced (sadly with another plastic one) but I've already changed the convertible top latch hoses and installed a LSI Controls bypass valve Gus recommended years ago. While testing the passenger rear quarter window regulator failed so replacing that as well. (Not trying to toot my own horn but maybe I should be in the running for nephew of the year?

Here is a list of parts, want to knock it all out at once:

Window Regulator
Part Number: C2N3913 x 1

Hose-Heater (Octopus)
Part Number: MJA6728AC x 1

Connector-3 Way
Part Number: NNE3944BA x 1

Hose-Heater (Valley)
Part Number: NCA3945CD x 1

Hose-Heater
Part Number: NNE3946CA x 1

Manifold Gasket
Part Number: NCA3016BB x 8

Seal (Induction)
Part Number: NCA3015BA x1

Gasket (Throttle Body)
Part Number: NNE3021AC x 1

Thanks again!

 

You don't say what MY your uncle's car is: although going by the TB gasket part # it's a '99+ 4 litre?

Given that this car has sentimental value, I guess it's a keeper for the foreseeable future. TBH, any and all of the original plumbing is suspect at this age. Do look hard at replacing the thermostat tower again with the aftermarket aluminium casting - it's pretty much fit and forget, and a whole lot easier to do with the intake manifold out of the way. I got mine from SNG Barratt. Give it a lick of satin black before assembly.

Other things to consider if original or old are the thermostat, water pump and crossover pipe ( AJ85885). The latter is made of the same material as the tstat tower: it degrades, cracks and is a fairly common problem. Sadly not yet available in aluminium.

Apologies for helping to empty your bank account, but these motors can die pretty quickly if they overheat, and the OEM idiot temperature gauge won't give you much warning.

You may not need the plenum seal as it's not necessary to separate the TB elbow from the intake for this job. However, I do have eight of these spare from a previous blonde moment...

HTH,
Mike

 

While you are under there....Add a part load breather tube simple to do when all is open. Part Number: AJ84880