Hi All,

Having a small amount of coolant loss in my 2001 XK8 which is occurring gradually. I've topped up a total of almost one litre (over three occasions) since purchasing the car about 8 months ago. I know all cars experience a certain amount of coolant evaporation etc., but would I be right in saying that this seems a bit more than usual? Any ideas?

Thanks,

Jonathan

 

raheny, you've got a few places to look my friend.

1) expansion tank, either on the bottom of the tank or those smaller nipples to the side, mine cracked, and leaked...slowly. New tank that comes with a new sensor and shiny new cap - $175 installed myself

2) thermostat housing...plastic one gets brittle and cracks.

Link to a thread

Link to another thread

3) Water pump is failing, sorry can't tell you the price to repair. Dealer did mine under warranty. It weeps like it should when failing. Hard to see, gotta look close.

4) there are some other hoses that I have heard that are common culprits too, but can't remember exactly which one.

 

I had leaking coolant due to a bad thermostat housing cap. A replacement costs about $30 from the dealership.

 

If you have orange deposits around the thermo housing you need to replace it with a aluminum one available on the internet. Cheaper than the OEM plastic one and a forever replacement. Might consider painting it black like the plastic one was.

When replacing, just use a pair of pliers and break off the plastic housing. You will be very fustrated trying to remove it otherwise.

 

Thanks for the replies. The water pump was replaced by the previous owner and there are no signs of obvious leakage around the filler neck/cap/thermostat housing, so maybe it could be a worn hose. I guess a pressure test would be the way to troubleshoot.