The lower radiator hose on my 2005 XK8 needs replacing. I remember reading that it is a real pain to do. If I recall, it was even suggested lifting up the radiator to get the hose on. Before I started the job I thought I'd see if any members can provide suggestions on the best approach. Thanks in advance!

 

The bottom connection is awkward to get to, but one of these:


will definitely make getting the hose clamp off and back on easier.

 

I've got that but still dreading having to use it!

 

I used the tool shown by Michaelh and the job was not bad at all. A bit 'fiddly' but be no means difficult. Without the tool....HORRIBLE to almost impossible

 

Having done this recently, I can say, you need the tool mentioned above. This will allow the removal of the clips at either end. Remove the old hose. To refit, the fans need to come out. The rad can stay in place. Wash off all spillage of coolant, as you don't want this sitting on things. You'll have to fit the clips on the hose first, before fitting the hose in the car - but out of the way of course. The clips ARE different sizes - the one for the bottom rad connection is bigger than the one for the top! But the hose is the same size all the way through - so this means the bottom connection is harder to push on. Make sure the hose is lubricated to help slide on. A lot of shoving required to push the bottom connection on. This results in the top of the hose pointing downwards towards the ground - here is the point to be careful - YOU MUST then take some grips and rotate the hose so it sits correctly in the right orientation and the top aligned with the top connection to the thermostat. I know you can pull it up without rotating the hose, but if you do it will not sit right in the engine bay and chaff of the fan cowling top over time resulting in it leaking again. So rotate the hose to the correct orientation, then fit the clip. Then fit the top, and clip (easy to do). Pop the fans back in and job done....

Hope that helps!


Here's a YouTube link to explain the issues, with a link to a document about this issue...

 

I did mine with the fans in place without a problem, and my hoses do not rub against anything to cause them to chafe.

 

I too managed without removing the fan shroud. IIRC getting the top connection on was more difficult than the lower one.

Matt reminded me that the ends are slightly different sizes - possibly to ensure the hose is fitted the correct way round (larger at the bottom), as I've read it's possible to get it upside down which can cause rubbing.

The OEM hose came complete with new Cobra clamps.

That tool has saved me a few $$$ in the swear box too.

 

Thanks, Matt! All good tips.

 

When I changed the radiator in my 2000 I ran into the same problem.I assume you will be able to get the clamp off and pull the old hose, even if you have to cut it off.
My new hoses with "URO" and they were so stiff it was not possible to put them on. I just put the old hoses on as they were in good shape. If you can find hose from a different manufacturer it maybee more pliable. Perhaps soaking the hose in hot water would help. Of cource lubricant on the fitting will help. Getting more invasive I would pull the radiator fans next.

 

This job is in my near future and looking at it on my car, access is difficult.

If you don’t have the tool, as suggested in michaelh’s post #2 above, you’ll need to remove the fan pack. There’s a good Youtube video below on the subject, link below.

 

Thanks much, David. Simple job IF you know what you're doing. Those clips might have stumped me. Always preferable to create as much workspace as possible.

 

Wow! Taking out the fans took all of ten minutes. But it made replacing the hose (and water pump and belt) a breeze. I guess the job could have been done with the fans in place, but it would be much more difficult to get at the bottom connector. And who would have thought Jaguar would make removal of a major component so easy! Thanks, David. The video was so helpful.

 

I am in process of taking the fans out of my 2004 but it is far from a breeze! Both bolts are out, the clip at the bottom for the AC line is released, the wiring harness on passenger side is released. I can move the fan box around angle it up and down an inch or so but it seems to catch at the bottom center. I see nothing to release. What am I missing? Shouldn’t just lift straight up?

In advance thanks for any insight.

Bill

 

Bill, It's been a while since I did the job, so I'm afraid can't be of much help. Maybe a mirror or phone camera can reveal what is snagging. Good luck.

 

Yep, it’s a breeze once you reread the instructions! 😊 Remove the upper radiator hose and out it comes!

 

This thread is so helpful! Please overlook my ignorance—what is the tool called?

 

Flexible Hose Clamp Pliers?

I have 5 different manufacturers/styles, some with different locking mechanisms, some with 'stiff' shaft designs.

You can NEVER have enough tools!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!(been collecting for over 50 years)