Hey folks!
Ok. 1997 XK8 convertible. Car's been purring like a kitten for awhile now. Drove today for about 3 miles and heard the radiator fans working excessively. Was at a stop light when I noticed steam coming out from the passenger side hood. Temp gauge started rising. Parked it immediately, opened hood and it looks like alot of spray markings and steam from the upper radiator hose area, although I couldn't see any obvious defects in the hose. Car cooled and drove it 1/2 mile home (temp gauge started to rise).
It's raining here and the car needs to fully cool before I can check out anything...so...where do I start tomorrow?
Hose? Thermostat?

Appreciate all your thoughts!
Nick

 

Start with the lousy plastic coolant expansion tank. If yours is original, it may be the world record holder. They tend to leak at the nozzle bases and also at the seams....

Also take a good look at the lousy plastic coolant outlet duct. They tend to warp, crack, and leak as well....

 

Thanks Jon
The obvious mass of coolant steam was coming from the diagonally opposite side of the engine, so I don't think it's the tank (although I am on my second one).

Where would I find the lousy plastic coolant duct on a 1997 XK8?

 

AKA crossover pipe. Plastic probably seemed like a good idea at the time.

See what happens when it really lets go, courtesy of marvin.d.miller:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...4/#post1650229

 

I agree with Jon, look at the side of the radiator, the plastic tanks are on the sides, you probably thought they were metal. Look where they join the cooling fins, you should see the problem. Mine was leaking on the right side also. I got a used one as OEM is easier but lots of substitutes mentioned here.

 

Wow! Never even heard of it. I'll search for more info on the forum. Thanks for the heads up, guys. Stay tuned. I may need you.

Nick

 

Lucky you were that close to home. The XK8/XKR temperature gauge is useless and the last thing you want to do is risk overheating the Jaguar V8.

A cooling system pressure test kit is the best way to find the source of leaks.

Graham

 

Ok, guys, I'm back.
Replaced the reservoir tank (had a new spare one) and pressure tested the system. Coolant came gushing out of the crack indicated in the picture. Is that black plastic piece running down the radiator (passenger side) replaceable? Or do I need a new radiator? If it is replaceable, how do I remove/replace it? What is it's name to order the part?
awaiting your responses.

Nick

 

Sorry. Forgot to post the picture


Nick

 

Not sure if it can be replaced or not. Issue with me was it is plastic and would suggest doing both sides. It was easier for me to get a used radiator and do the r&r. Read up on pulling the radiator as it is a fidelly job especially with the mountings for the AC condenser.

 

Thanks LaRue

It doesn't look like a replaceable piece. I've already ordered a new radiator and will research a DIY install...although I don't think my fat hands will fit into any of that space.

 

That whole front rad system is like a can of worms. The fun one for me, which I just did, was the lower left rad hose that goes to the thermostat housing (I replaced all front hoses and balance manifold). What a job and of course the new hoses were thicker and very hard to handle. Also if anyone does the front hoses the left hose going to the thermostat needs to be shortened some at the thermostat housing so the hose will not touch the fan cage and ware a hole for later trouble.