1997 XK8 - 114K miles

Symptom - Low Coolant warning light - Temp gauge is centered at operating temp.

I have topped off the header tank - no change
I removed the charge air cooler fill point to check level - full

With that I'd suspect the Engine Coolant Level Switch, BUT... I do occasionally smell warm coolant.

So...is this one of those systems that doesn't properly indicate temp if coolant is too low, or is it just a coolant level switch problem?

 

probably the float in the tank. That was my problem.There is a thread about this.

 

Just found this bad boy hanging down. It was showing a orangish tube that was broken and 2 wires showing. I shoved it back up (it looks like it snaps into place) it doesn't feel solidly in-place, but when I checked...The low coolant light is off!

Looks like a low coolant switch is in my future.

 

the switch comes as part of that small black tank. Just buy the complete tank, many folks here at one time or another end up doing it anyway.
If you are smelling warm coolant may be wise to do a pressure check on the system.
You are driving a 97 model, if something lets go and you heat that motor up you may find yourself in a bad place. Those Nakisil motors DON'T take to being over heated at all.

 

I had a coolant smeel on my 2001 that drove me nuts.

Very little coolant loss and no sign of any drips after a run. Pressure test revealed no leaks.

It turned out to be a pinhole in the bottom of the Expansion Tank which only opened up when the engine was up to temperature allowing the occasional drop of coolant to fall on the hot exhaust shield where it immediately evaporated.

Replaced the Expansion Tank (which comes complete with Sender and Cap). End of problem.

Graham

 

The coolant system runs at about one atmosphere (15 psi) above ambient. Most parts stores test equipment will pump to 20 psi at least for a couple minutes and will usually identify the problem.

 

I had hot coolant smells but never found them, front of motor dry as a bone, nothing anything. Got a pressure check kit, it was the water pump.

 

I am beginning to think that coolant is the natural aroma of these cars . I have replaced expansion tank ,water pump, thermostat housing and thermostat, removed that first plastic coupling coming off the thermostat housing to the octopus hose that cracked.
still loosing a couple of table spoons every 50 miles or so but doesn't show up until after the car has sat and cooled. Going to investigate further over the winter.
Jeremy