So I confirmed a leak in the lower portion of the engine. In the general vicinity of coolant reservoir but below it.
Was hoping for the first best things to check down there. Maybe EGR, Non-Return valve, or throttle coolant?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. This will be my first fix on my new girl.

I have a 99' XK8 Convert. No mods or upgrades. Coolant looks like new.

Thanks in advance for any advice =)

 

could it be coming from the sending unit seal on bottom of tank?

 

Check the Norma fitting seal on the heater hose under the tank.

 

Thanks for the replies. You have defined this weekends project. Will let you all know how it goes.

 

Good luck and you'll find it. However, that just happens to be a bad neighborhood to be working in and finding the origins of an active leak. Take your time and don't assume because that can cost a lot of money and frustration. Let us know what you find.

 

Finally found it. Not coolant at all.

I believe in this model it is the "octopus" steering high pressure side house. Rubbed through in the "normal" place.
Found a part on FCP, with the updated bends.
I found a spot I think I can attach a standoff for the hose, going to 3D print a few and test while I am under there.

The replacement looks like PiTA but not ver difficult.

One question please; What is the best Steering fluid to use that I can get in the US regular AutoParts stores? or Should I get some from my local dealer?

 

Most power steering fluid is Dexron II or Dexron III. Available at any Walmart, big box auto parts store, etc.

 

Is this the typical power steering leakage down under the air filter box at the normal connection ??

if so, the usual fix is just to cut the hose off at the connector and use a brass hose barb and a short length of hose that’s resistant to the power steering fluid, like any automatic transmission rated hose. The fix is mentioned often in the forum. I followed the guidelines and it’s a great way to go.

Z

 

Yep right where it rubs against so part support, that spot, driver side front left of the block. I didn't even think to patch the hose, lol. I already bought the part from FCP and its the new design version, woopeee. So its going in. 🤓

Forced to do it this Saturday, so I can go to get it judged in August, no hope for any kind of win, but will take the marks against as a TO DO list... lol

 

So the job is done. Old one out new version in.

Biggest PITA was the new routing of the hose. HINT: Do not think of it going at all the same way the older version of the hose was routed. *PIC ATTACHED*

Other than that I had:
- a proper floor jack (harbor freight $269 Dayton extended, low profile 3 Ton) and decent floor stands that are 15" max height again 3 Ton so you can get the car up high enough for room.
- I also would recommend a good set of Crows Feet, by good you can't buy on Amazon for less than $30-$35 (tried the $17 ones, no bueno).
- Need a 10" extension in your favorite size (3/8 or 1/2 but 1/4 works if your nuts are frozen)
- Some kind of clipper for snipping a few zip ties (i would not use a razor blade, kinda slippy with all the Dex3 everywhere)
- A forehead lamp is a must.
- Hydraulic line plugs (Harbor Freight again) to plug the opening in the valve body at the rack, the connection at the bottom of the PS pump, and I put one in each end of the damaged hose just to keep any lingering fluid from getting out and all over as you remove it. REMEMBER you don't want to leave any fibers behind from a rag, cloth, or paper towels, (I have used those ear plugs you can buy at the drug store, just be careful that they don't rip or break down in the fluid.) CLEAN PARTICLE FREE HYDRAULIC FLUID is what you want to achieve.
- I have a cheap $40 creeper and boy do I love it.
- 2 people helps a lot

All in all an easily achievable Saturday afternoon project, that can be accomplished by those who aren't pros and aren't afraid to try.

Basic tools and willingness is really all you need.

Happy to answer any questions. 😁

 

Can't wait to see that picture. Very encouraging post—I'm feeling good about trying it myself!