recently purchased 99 XK8 with 54K miles. had an alert today when turning, coolant fluid low or cooling system low? removed cap and it was a little low, had to add maybe 2 cups of water. seems to have fixed issue but noticed a coolant hose missing in engine compartment, unless this is for venting, pls see photo. any input appreciated, cannot find a good detailed diagram of cooling system showing all lines.
actually I did find a diagram that states there should be a bleeder hose there, but doesnt show where it connects at the other end?
there is an unused tube at the top of the radiator on drivers side, looks as if it may go there but need to be sure..

 

I've got an '02 and yours looks just like mine. Those coolant level warnings are overly sensitive on the earlier models. I had a 2000 XK8 for a while and it was a real pain. The '02 has been much better, the level has to be much lower to set off the warning. Perhaps you can have your resevoir float adjusted or replaced.

 

so yours is also missing the other bleeder line?

 

that is standard...MY 2000 also

 

thanks for the info.

 

Yep...standard.

I've read that it's there as a potential backup connection if the first one breaks off (it is Jaguar plastic, after all).

 

yes plastic... I havent seen so much since ... better not, thats a joke for another time. AM beginning to long for my last vette ! I have always really liked these cars, now that I own one, as with all cars I have owned, will leave it better than I found it. this is really in good shape.

 

My 97 XK8 originally had both hoses connected. The forward hose connected to the top left side of the radiator & is called the reservoir hose (see #17 in attached pic). The other connected where yours connects at the top of the engine and is the bleed hose (see #16 in the attached pic). Coolant flowed through both hoses.

When I had to replace the original coolant reservoir because it cracked, the replacement only had one functioning connection as yours does (the forward one). I was told to use it for the bleed hose leading to the top of the engine & attach the closed off connection to the hose leading to the top of the radiator, rendering it useless but closing the system.

Perhaps the later radiators don't even have the connection at the top left, I don't know.

 

Coolant hoses look just like mine. There may be a leak somewhere else to loose 2 cups of fluid. Don't see any stains or remains from leaking there. If coolant leaks, there should be some stain. If water leaks, there may not be any stain.

How often or number of miles do you need to add fluid?

 

I don't think there is a leak. to be honest, the original owner was not very mechanically oriented, she had some preventive maint done as in changing oil and such, but dont think she ever had the cooling system flushed nor checked it. I expect over time it just evaporated. Nevertheless, I will get the system flushed and new coolant added, at that point I will know if there is a leak.