Hello,
A few weeks ago, the low engine
coolant message came up. I checked the level and sure
enough it was low, so I topped it off. I also noticed that
my car was smelling like coolant after I shut it off. About
1.5 weeks later, the message came up again. I again topped
it off. This past weekend, I noticed steam coming from the
engine after shut down and again the smell of coolant. It
appears that the expansion tank on the top is leaking from
the bottom. All the hose connections look good, so I am
guessing the tank itself is cracking.

My questions: 1. Is this a difficult part to replace? My
husband and I will be doing it ourselves if possible.
2. Where can I find the part? I have checked several local
auto parts stores and none of them list it. I even checked
CW and it is not in their online catalog.
3. Any advice on replacing this part?

Thanks in advance,
Jenni
--
97 XK8 Convertible, former owner of 89 XJ40
Vista, CA, United States

 

Your plastic expansion reservoir is now 15 years old and lives in a very hot environment. They fail but are easily replaced. Salvage yard about $100, web search about $200, dealer about $300. All should include the coolant sensor, which is also a failure point and is also easily replaced separately.

It is not a difficult part to replace at all. Most of my tinkering with my car is done with a $10 set of ACE Hardware sockets.

Try ebay. Try car-part.com for salvage yard responses. Try CoventryWest.com for new parts. There are many others comparable to each of the above. CoventryWest's web site does not list nearly all their parts. Call them.

 

Online dealers show list price at $203. Call Dan at Nalley Jaguar (forum sponsor), he will give you 15% off, free shipping and great advice as a forum member.

It is a fairly straightforward job. Let us know if you need advice on releasing the hose clamps (my 2001 xkr has 'clic' type band clamps which can be puzzling if you have never worked with them before, not sure if you have these on your '97).

 

Yup, this was my first DIY repair on my car. Very straightforward. I think the clamp on the bottom was the biggest trouble spot for me...before I purchased one of those clamp-release tools from Sears.

 

Wow, great advice guys and a plug for Dan at Nalley who could save Jenni more than a few $$$ I'm guessing.

How about it Jenni, any updates?

 

Thanks for all the advice. It will be my project this coming weekend. I will let you all know how it goes.

Thanks again

 

I got the low coolant message today, and immediately got all paranoid. The expansion reservoir was about half empty after it cooled down. I guess that level would throw the message? It took about 12 oz. +/- to top off.

Only put on about 2,000 miles since June when I got the car, and I didn't think to check the coolant level at the time. I will watch it now since I have a point of reference. I didn't see any leaks, etc. Will keep an eye on the usual culprits. Running good otherwise.

 

Are you already carrying Red coolant mixed with distilled water in your trunk?

Maybe I am the only one with an extra pint of that in the trunk.

Gary