I know I've read this here before, but need a review. I don't believe the coolant has been drained and the system flushed in at least 3 years. First, I know this needs to be done by someone who knows what they're doing. Also, there is an original plastic part that will crack and need replacement. So, I might as well order the part before the job is done... And should I even attempt to do this myself. I've called three radiator shops in town and none has worked on an XK8 engine before and have no idea what I'm talking about.

 

It's the Thermostat Tower that cracks (arrowed in red).



Most choose to go with an aftermarket aluminium replacement (shown on the right) instead of the OE plastic.



Not a complicated job but the four fixing bolts on the base are difficult to access. A crows foot wrench is the right tool to use.

When you're getting the Tower replaced, a new thermostat is an obvious choice as is a critical inspection of the cooling hoses to check if any need replacing.

Graham

 

I would also suggest that the plastic cross over pipe be replaced as well as both large radiator hoses if there is no history of previous replacement on a 15 year old car. Also the short hose from the cross over pipe to the thermostat tower.

Finding an 8mm crows foot wrench to remove the bolts is quite an effort. Generally not available except in extended sets. Bending a 8mm or 5/16" box end wrench is much easier.

Right after the tower bolt in difficulty is the lower radiator hose clamp on the radiator. That requires a special tool also unless you change the clamp to a screw type.

As these cars age the above parts will get changed on either a preventive or emergency basis.

 

So....thanks to the advice from my two respondents, I am going to do the following: This started of course with the need that the coolant needed changing. Then, the knowledge the thermostat tower would be toast the moment it was touched by any sort of tool. So... I'm going to replace it all. Its all 15 years old. Every bit of hose and each plastic piece will be replaced with an updated version, if there is an update. If not, then another piece of plastic. I looked at the costs involved and it isn't that much more to do the entire thing than just then just the tower, a thermostat, a cross-over pipe and upper and lower main hoses. Another $150 and its new again.

 

Good plan and good luck. Let us know how it goes....

 

Completed. What started as a change of coolant was cpmpleated but in the process replaced all the hoses and all the plastic parts. Thermostat tower is now medal. Also discoverd the knock sensors were shot so were replaced. The code reader indicated the brake lights were not coming om condistatantly. That's never a good thing so the brake light switch was replaced. During all this saw that oil was seeping from the valve covers. So replaced the gaskets. I'm hoping that's all the problems I'll see for awhile. Again, this started with seeing no record the coolant had been changed in the past four years.

 

Thanks for coming back to tell us the end of the story. Always good to know the details and the result.

I agree replacing all rubber and plastic cooling components on fifteen year old Jaguar is a wise precaution. Many owners only replace failed part(s) and later find the next weakest soon goes. This work should keep your cooling system trouble free until the next coolant change is due in another five years!

Graham

 

Well done Chuck. I hope you looked at the tensioners while you had the valve cover off. It does seem funny that no place knew how to work on the XK8, glad you don't have a problem getting your hands dirty.


Wayne

 

+1 on secondary tensioners. Make sure they are metal, not plastic. You do not have to replace the gaskets again, just do not over tighten.

 

Also look at the expansion tank near the firewall. Mine developed a hairline crack in it and leaked ever so slightly driving me nuts.

 

The good news is the tensioners were replaced by a previous owner. Everything seems good except there is a very tiny leak in an A/C valve. Its something that can wait and not overly expensive. I bought the car last May. Tires are brand new, battery just 2 years old, AC compressor replaced by previous owner. A bit of wear on the seats which I believe can be repaired. The cruise control is not working, something I'd like to repair. I have a 1,100 mile trip coming up mid January, all of it on the freeway. Cruise would be nice. Oh, shortly after getting the car the hose from the transmission to the cooler blew out. Both hoses were replaced, the bottom of the transmission removed, cleaned out the best that could be done and a new filter and fluid added. I know there are a 100 things that can go wrong, but I think I'm in good shape.

 

If the water pump is the same as it is on my 03 I would replace it also. Took me all of 40 min or so in combined time to replace it. 5 bolts. No hoses to move or the like.
I used this very pump which is IDENTICAL to the fact one I pulled off my car.