Hi, upon inspecting my engine today I saw a slight crack in the coolant manifold. Is that pretty dangerous or can I just temporarily fix it with some epoxy like JB weld? Also it looks like the water pump is developing a gap, is that a bad sign or can I just use some RTV on that?

-PS: anybody have a PN on that manifold? It's not obvious from the diagrams in the DIY section pdf.

 

The coolant manifold if famous for slow leaks. The solution is to replace it with an aluminum version that is available for less than the Jaguar plastic one. The rear bolts are a little difficult to get out but there are a number of threads on how to do that.

. . . and no, JB Weld will not fix it!

 

I'm not sure they make a metal version of that one from my research?

Rakuten.com - 1997-2002 Jaguar XK8 Engine Coolant Water Outlet (OE Aftermarket W0133-1656814)

 

No that's the water outlet pipe. Junk plastic do not attempt repair.

Water Outlet Pipe - AJ85885

 

I find it hard to believe the water pump could develop a gap and not leak. But it's not expensive, so maybe just replace it.

 

From the pic it doesn't look like it's leaking at the pump. Anyways I'm having my local jag mechanic replace the water outlet pipe on Friday. I'd do it but my situation doesn't really make it that easy, apartment etc Just easier on my mind to pay someone to do it. I'm expecting say 150 since the outlet is around 50. The fans don't come on and off often so I'm not thinking there's a problem with the pump, i.e. not replacing that and the thermostat housing.

To be honest my new job I start on Monday is a 30 mile drive one way through LA so I'm looking to get a more fuel efficient car that's a daily driver. This just doesn't fit the bill for me, especially with gas being 4.50/gallon. And I think it needs to be someones second toy car so it can be lightly used.

 

Unfortunately, I have to agree.

 

Those two plastic parts are easy to replace. As mentioned, get the all metal aftermarket housing and a new thermostat to repair the one problem. And the coolant log is about $60 through some suppliers. Be sure to get the o-rings for the ends. A half hour job for both. Hopefully, your repair tech is a fair-minded guy. Might as well check the hoses and belt while in there!

 

Just for those who have a similar problem and are thinking about using JB Weld... on my cracked housing, I cleaned the cracked area very well with sandpaper, used acetone to dry it all well, and the JB Weld lasted almost a year before it started leaking again.

So...JB Weld is very good in a pinch, but not a permanent repair by any means.

 

To follow up the thing shown in my pictures on the first post here is NOT a crack it's simply the molding seam. Of course I'm saying this after the part is off and the new one ordered by the mechanic for $110, then I requested to replace the thermostat he pays like $40 for it, then after he disassembles he recommends the thermostat cover be replaced. That's where the seam is in the other picture. So the cover which is $52 his cost and like $30 with shipping online. The thermostat can be had for around $15 online, the water outlet pipe is $50 online. So my mechanic is paying FULL FULL price for this stuff, ugh! So something I thought would be about 150 is now about 300. Well live and learn I guess.

 

Thermostats are available at your local auto parts stores for about $15 . . . without shipping. Your mechanic is not paying those prices.

 

I'm thinking he get's stuff from the dealership. The VVT seals at my local dealership are $40 each, 80 for a set. I got them new at Motorcars Ltd for 15 including shipping each so 30 total.

For a thermostat cover(30), thermostat(42 wgasket) and Water Inlet pipe(62.75) he charged 135 and labor of 150 for about 297 total. I don't think I'll be going back to this guy again though it probably won't need anything else for a while now.