Found out today I need a new radiator:

1. Is there any DIY instructions/pictures/videos for this job?

2. My indy mechanic says to replace the water pump with latest pump and to replace the thermostat and plastic housing for another plastic housing.

He states that "there is a reason that jaguar used plastic not metal for that housing" he says that a "metal housing has different temperature properties to plastic which will affect the ECM? and running of the car"

Is this true? For the people who replaced the plastic with metal housing is there any long term problems????

Would appreciate you advise as I am about to order the parts.

Many thanks,

 

I don't know for sure why Jag used plastic but a good guess is that it was cheaper considering the complex casting required. The ECM doesn't care what material the thermostat sits in, all it knows is what the temp sensor says.

 

Simply put: Ford/Jaguar accountants won out over their engineers.

The plastic secondary camshaft tensioners, plastic thermostat housing and plastic impeller water pumps were used to minimize costs and maximize profits. Unfortunately, these items all deteriorate with high temperatures over a period of time--and fail virtually every time.

These components' failure cost Ford/Jaguar $ millions and $ millions in warranty costs replacing engines, and a large percentage of potential retail sales didn't happen due to Jag's reputation for poor reliability.

While these cars were 10 years ahead of their time technologically, the quality of their electronic components were worse than pitiful. That's what you get when you buy components for the lowest contracted prices--when accountants are running a company.

I am an ex-Ford (retired) Financial Analyst.

 

The metal thermostat housing is far better than the plastic one,the plastic can harden and fracture due to the engine bay temperatures over time.The metal housing is a worthwhile replacement.

I would only replace the water pump if its in an unserviceable condition

 

Agree, pump should be okay from that model year unless it's leaking or noisy. My '99 runs fine w/ the metal housing. The job is a little bit of a PIA. My plastic one seemed pretty good - I broke it up to get it off and it seemed pretty strong - but I had bought the parts and was doing hoses, thermo, pump, etc anyway. Plus it's a hobby for me so labor wasn't an issue. Don't see why you can't just replace the thermostat and radiator and hoses (they're cheap) and let it go at that unless there are other problems that force you to replace other parts. How's that for armchair quarterbacking?

 

I disagree, Bamaman, the blame should be placed on the purchasing group who probably out sourced to India or China. Their incentives are driven by cost savings, nothing more. Plus the VP of Purchasing and the CFO had to agree to the long term savings goal that the purchasing managers must meet. The accountants just keep score.

John
Automotive Group Controller (semi-retired)

 

I do see your point Stremsjg but agree with bamaman.

As a salesman of over 22 years or so I've seen a few companies I've worked with go under and these were both accountancy lead firms at that time with accountants making every decision, crossing every t and dotting every i.

On the other hand, for quite a time we were a sales lead company and went from strength to strength, although to be fair mistakes were made, but, the company survived and prospered.

sorry, for getting kinda off topic

 

The metal housing isn't all that great either. Poorly designed and it can still leak. It may or may not solve your problems.

 

Well, I have changed my thermostat and installed the metal housing, and also changed the water pump and put in a metal one wth supposedly improved seals, but also a metal impeller. I have been told that the plastic impeller can shed blades, which then are pumped somewhere into the head water circulation passages, where they can jam, and make you say bad words.
With these cars, it is foolish to take chances. You will never have an easier place to work on them than your own garage. I shudder to think of breaking down somewhere here in Arizona.
Anyway, just my 2 cents. (or 1/4th of a Yuan in Chinese money)

 

I am curious to check out what sort of thermostat housing I have. Can anyone post a picture to show where the thermostat is located, please?

 

I believe that if you have an R then you already have a metal housing. It's on the front of the engine on top in the middle with your large water hoses connected to it. Also has a cap on it with a hex socket. If it's black then it's plastic (unless it's been painted). Yours should be silver.

 

Troll, my understanding from what others have posted is that the early pumps had black plastic impellers that broke down and shed pieces, but the later ones were improved and don't have the problem. I agree if you're into the job already and don't mind the relatively low cost of a new pump, the what the heck, replace it. When I pulled mine , 11 y.o. and 60,000mi it looked pretty good. Again, replaced it anyway cause already bought the new one. I just don't think that in a 2000+ it's a time-bomb like the tensioners in the 4.0's

 

Thanks. I had a quick look under my hood, but couldn't really see what you're referring to. The trouble is that the top of my engine is covered in supercharger bits and I never know what belongs to the engine and what belongs to the SC.

A picture would be wonderful

 

The 05 XKR thermostat housing is cast aluminum, not plastic.

 

I think with your model year, all these engine upgrade problems don't apply. Mostly they were the 4.0 engines. So just ignore and be happy. If I had my druthers, I think a 2005 R would be the way to go, although there's probably room for discussion on that from various owners who love their cars. Separate thread/idea for thought....will the older or newer series XK8 be in demand in 2030.

 

Where do you purchase the metal thermostat tower? cross over pipe and hoses?
Where is the best place to purchase the upgraded water pump.

Many thanks, David

 

For any car part, I suggest you check RockAuto.com first, as they most often have 5% discount PIN's on the internet. I've found their prices just about the lowest anywhere. RockAuto carries many brands of the Jag waterpump--and also have the metal thermostat housing. I've been very satisfied with their service--in spite of being the largest internet seller of light truck & car parts. Their spark plugs area also very inexpensive.

Welsh Enterprises is also a good source for the metal thermostat housing.

 

Just ordered all the parts from Welsh, including metal tower, with good prices!

Thanks for your help

 

I have attached a wide-angle and close-up photo of my cheapass plastic thermostat housing in my '01 Vanden Plas.
Hope this helps.
Off to order a replacement.
Where could I find instructions for replacement of the housing?
I have a recently replaced thermostat.
Probably the reason that I need a new housing -- lousy mechanic.
(Click on pics to ENLARGE)

 

This link should help Jaguar thermostat housing 4.0 xk8