Does anyone know the cap/thread size, and or have a recommendation regarding a pressure brake bleeder? I checked out Schwaben, but the vendor doesn't even list Jaguar at all, never mind XK8. Gunson Ezebreed looks possible, but it's a bit expensive, and all of them seem to come from the UK, so shipping time and expense an issue. How about Motive Products? Thanks

 

I bought the Motive Pressure Bleeder for European cars and the cap fits perfectly. Also does a really good job.

 

I purchased my reservoir cap from Harper Jag in Knoxville TN. for $4.59 + tax & ship.
https://parts.harperjaguar.com/oem-p...ir-cap-t4a2098
I then fashioned an airline fitting and sealed the channel that runs behind the rubber gasket and out through the internal plastic threads to make it airtight.
I regulate the air pressure to 15 psi max and am most happy with the results


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It's not clear whether we have the same requirements on the calipers, but I bought Stahlbus speed bleeder screws (check valve screws) for all of my cars (Stahlbus M8x1.25x16 mm). They aren't cheap, but work great. For comparison, my original parts are MJD7848AA for the fronts and JLM12120 for the rears.

 

Mine is also from motiveproducts.com. Used it on the Jags, BMW and Maserati.

 

Many thanks for all the info. I don't see any mention of European on the Motive Products boxes on You Tube. Does that mean I need to order from the UK? Is there a specific part number?

 

The Motive products model number is 0100 which is their European kit. Available on Amazon and Ebay as well as a number of other sources for $ 50.00 - $ 60.00.

 

Many thanks, Max224. Whilst searching this issue, and eventually concluding that the required cap size seems to be 45 mm, I happened upon an Amazon listing for a 3 liter kit by QiiLu (probably Chinese, but readily available) that costs $20 less (and with free shipping) , and which even has a bottle and fitting for the bleed fluid end. As this is a one-time effort, I am willing to take a small risk of having to return the item to Amazon, but if it can get the job done for less than $30, I am going to give it a shot.
I will report on the quality and suitability of the kit, as soon as I get the bleed job finished.

 

I had great success with the 'Chinese' bleeder. For 30 bucks, incl shipping, you can't beat it: 3 liter pressure vessel (actually 2 would probably be fine), pressure gauge, relief valve, quick disconnect / swivel in the line to the cap (fits the Jag) and a bleed bottle with hose, hanger chain, and and nipple adapter.
The instructions are seemingly translated from Mandarin, by someone who only speaks Cantonese, and relayed to a 3rd party who speaks English as a second language for typing. But the use of the bleeder is pretty obvious. Don't get too much over 12 PSI and make sure you have the cap down tight on the seal (be ready on the pressure relief until certain). Watch out when dismantling once the bleed job is over: use the pressure relief, which should retrieve brake fluid from the M/C reservoir. Wrap the cap area with a towel and uncouple the line disconnect. You can then withdraw adequate fluid through the male stem with a syringe, so as to drop the level and prevent brake fluid spillage when taking off the cap.