I'm in the UK but about to emigrate to Northern Finland; given that it gets down to -40C overnight in midwinter, I want to fit a block heater to the Jag. The car is a 96 XK8, it will be garaged eventually, but the weather may well get cold before my workshop renovations are finished, so it may have to stay outside for the first winter. I can't find a block heater for the XK8, although XJ8 heaters are available; any idea if the DEFA heater for the XJ8 would be suitable? It's.designed to screw into the block, presumably by removing a blanking plug from the cooling jacket.

 

Welcome to the forum but -40 is the ONLY temp that Centigrade or Fahrenheit needs no distinction.(Kelvin not considered)
Many parts for the X100 are NLA from the dealer but you might find a suitable replacement here from members that live in these extreme climes.

I live in Texas USA so I cannot comment on the need.

Good luck with the search for keeping the engine 'happy'.

 

I would imagine the XJ8 part should fit as it shares the engine with the XK8.

 

Greets, I do have Defa block heater w/part number DA411252 with additional wiring kits (DA460785 & DA460766) installed by previous owner.
DA411252 are listed as XJ8 compatible one here (in Finnish):
https://www.jussinmaki.net/ajoneuvoj...euvosopivuus-0

And welcome to winter hell

 

There were some available which went into the bottom hose ...tube with a heater in it ..cut and clip.
There seem to be stick-on sump heaters on ebay

 

Yes, that's the one DEFA list for the XJ8 as are the cable and fitting kits. Thanks, I'll get that ordered.