On the 98 XK8 is it normal for my coolant tank which has two spouts going towards the engine to only have one hose? Also can this be why my Coolant Level Low message is on?

 

I put coolant in almost everyday to maintain and when I took it in for a smog and leak check the mechanic was kind of sketchy on why or if I was suppose to have two hoses.

 

Only one hose.

Guess what, you have a leak! Or not! The coolant tank sensor magnet is famous for sticking on the post and giving an erroneous reading. Alternatively, the overflow tank is famous for slowly leaking. Most of the local auto parts stores will 'rent' you a pressure tester and then you will know specifically where it is leaking . . . or not.

Welcome to the forum! Been to the new member page yet?

 

The early XK8's had two hoses from the Expansion Tank. One going to the Thermostat Housing and the other to the top LH of the Radiator. The one to the Radiator was quickly deleted and you'll find the second outlet is a blank.

These cars should NOT lose coolant. You have a leak.

Graham

 

I've been chasing those darn elusive leaks for months!!
I found the thermostat housing leaking, replaced, the plastic manifold above it leaking, replaced, expansion tank leaking below and on the side, replaced, and finally the octopus hose below the throttle body had a bad one way valve, cracked and leaking, replaced. Oh, and Nora connector bad too but it came with the hose set up.
Now I'm waiting to see if any new leaks show up. Still a faint smell but lots of coolant I can't get to to clean off so.........
Btw, none of these things actually showed visible signs of leaks but under neath was a different story!!
They don't suggest you replace all hoses and clamps for nothing on these cars!!!

 

This is one of those small problems you should resolve and not get complacent about.

The problem is when you start ignoring a low coolant warning because of a small leak or malfunctioning sensor, if you were ever to have a major leak, like burst hose, you might never know.

The coolant temperature sensor is raised high on these engines, and if there is a large loss of coolant, the temperature sensor will not be immersed and will fail to give an overheating warning. This scenario has happened before to others and almost certainly results in major engine damage.

 

No not yet, about to take a look now. Thanx everybody for the feedback