Ive looked at diagrams and I think my temp sensor is leaking. Is this common? Can I just unscrew it and wrap some plumbers tape on it and put back in? Or is a leak mean it is damaged?

 

I would certainly give it a try if doing my own wrenching but if paying a tech would certainly replace it. Labor cost would be much more than the part.

 

It depends on where the leak is, if it is around the threads in the housing, try tightening it some or reseal it, if it is between the center part and the sensor shell, replace it. They are cheap and a new one is good insurance.

 

If you are talking about the sensor that is installed in the top plastic outlet manifold, I had that same problem on my wife's 2002 XK8. I just replaced the outlet manifold, that came with a sensor already installed in it with a new part, at the same time I changed out the original plastic thermostat housing with the aluminum unit. No more leaks. I did not want to chance tightening the sensor in a nine year old plastic part. I purchased the parts from Motorcars Ltd.

Bill
2000 XKR Coupe
2002 XK8 Coupe (Deb's)
2002 XKR 100 Coupe