Hey Guys - My 2003 XK8 is leaking fluid (gushing really) just below where the upper radiator hose attaches to the thermostat housing. There is an outlet just under the hose connection that doesn't have anything attached to it that is wide open. It seems like maybe there was a plug there like on the other side othe thermostat housing. Is there a plug or do I need to replace the entire thermostat housing?
The 'low coolant' light was coming on before the gushing started. As i understand it, it is best to replace the reservoir as it comes with a new sensor...is that correct?

 

at opening is nothing, it is plugged and 99% chance that won't leak. If it is not coming out of the hose connection (could be cracked under hose) then there is a seal that has went out. May as well spend the $$ and replace the complete t-stat housing of which there is NO alum version of it as there is for 97-2002. You have to buy the fact orig which is not the end of the world for the cheap ways they make cars these days. Now I am going to spend your money now. If you can fix this stuff yourself do the water pump also if your car has miles on it, then again I would still do it. Cheapest jag part ever i think and it is easy too do.

 

How many miles are on the car?? If the resivor is not leaking you don't have to fix it. Just cause the low coolant light came on does not mean it is bad. Again if you have some miles on the car or plan to keep it long term it would not hurt to replace it. Again an easy job.
If you can change oil you can do this work.

 

On the 4.2 (2003) it is best to replace the entire thermostat housing assembly, which is made of plastic and typically does not make it beyond about 10 years. The whole thing is around 100 bucks and includes a new thermostat and temperature sensor.

 

Thanks so much! I will replace all hoses, water pump, reservoir and thermostat/housing. I'm pretty handy but keep a close look out for my posts just in case! THank again!

 

She's 12 years old now with 93K miles. I plan to keep her forever as that model, color (white Onyx with tan top/interior) has been my dream. I'll go ahead and be careful and just change all belts, hoses, reservoir and thermostat/housing. THanks for your help!

 

She's 12 with 93K mi. I want to keep her for my lifetime!

 

Who's the best source, price-wise??

 

I went on EBAY and got my rad hoses, the stuff from Jag is costly. I paid about 120 for both of my hoses. I got the WP off of Amazon I think, paid like 60 bucks for it and it was like the orig unit with the o-ring and METAL gasket. I would not get the NO ORING PAPER gasket unit, cheaper but that part you don't want to go cheap on I felt.
Have you done the valley hoses and the octopus hose yet?

 

Thanks again! On the water reservoir, does a new tank include the level sensor?

 

You might want to confirm with a specific seller but most come with the tank, sensor and cap.

 

I think they all do