hello to all!
1997 xk8 convertible. While at a stop I noticed steam coming up from under the hood. Immediately pulled over and found about 2 cups of coolant dripping down from what seems like the passenger side rear of the engine. Had it towed ( the tow operator pulled a plastic bag from the front of the radiator) home. Started it at home to try and trace the leak. Seems to be dripping just behind and a little to the left (passenger side) of the throttle body.

Any ideas? Where do I start?

Nick

 

The simple answer is to 'rent' a coolant pressure test kit from your closest auto parts store. That way you can test cold without blowing a lot of coolant all over the drive. Such a leak will be very obvious.

 

^^ What he said. Most of the big box auto parts stores "rent" these pressure test kits. You put down a deposit on your credit card, take the kit home and use it, then bring it back for a full refund. Just make certain that the kit contains the necessary cone-shaped adapter that fits into your coolant expansion reservoir. Back in November 2014, the loaner kit at my local Advance Auto Parts store did the job perfectly....

 

Octopus Hose, Tunnel Hose, or Expansion Tank. Search the Forum for those terms and you will have your answer.

Might want to run over to Harbor Freight and pick up a pressure tester set. Chances are on a car of that age you fix one leak and you create another. I've changed all the hoses on mine.

Never, Ever, Ever, over heat a jag. Bad things happen.

 

Thanks guys!
I "rented" a kit this morning from Advance Auto and will be testing it later today.

Nick

 

My money is on the norma connector/octopus hose.

 

Is the norma connector/octopus hose a DIY job dsnyder?

 

Just about everything on the XK8 is DIY.

 

Yes, tough to get to and a bit pricey, but definitely doable.

 

I decided to have it towed to my indy.
I'll keep you posted

Thanks to all for the advise!
Nick