Hi,
this is how I solved the problem with the Jaguar temp gauge, I installed the ELM327 OBD2 reader and used an iPad and the Dash Command App,
engine runs with a temp of 93C/199F with an outside temp of 2C/36F, I consider it the be high, but not 100% what the correct value should be on this car, anyway going the swap the waterpump and thermostat next week to new latest ones, just to be on the safe side and then let's see what the temp readings are after that.

here's a pic of my installation

 

For many jags the workshop manual gives the design range the car will run at. Maybe also for your car?

 

thanks "JagV8" for the advise, I checked for this info in the workshop manuals located here "
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/mkchxc77m4ex14f/tIjeeNuDWT" but can't find any info about cooling temp. I been reading a lot of threads on this subject and it seams like I'm not the first one to be worried about the high engine temp on my XKR, it's seams like most agree that 92-93C/198-200F is normal.

Anyway as I be replacing the cam chain tensioner's next week I will also replace the waterpump to the new one as well as the thermostat.

some info on the waterpump;
As mentioned in other posts, prior to 2003 and the introduction of the 4.2 XK engines, earlier cars suffered from using poor quality parts in the form of lightweight materials. Relating to the water pump, this manifests itself in the disintegration / breaking up of the plastic impellor within the water pump. This then leads to reduced coolant flow, localised heating and the worst case problems mentioned above. Indicative signs of a cooling problem on the XK8 engine are the cooling fans staying on for long periods regardless of temperature and / or one of the top hoses blowing off.

Before going to the effort of removing / replacing the water pump, with a cold engine, take the filler cap off the expansion tank and then ask someone to run the engine for you at 1200 rpm. Should the pump be working correctly, water should be circulating / swirling well in the tank. If there is a problem, then there will be very little swirl and therefore indicative of a problem with the water pump

All part's arrived today from DCR Autoparts in UK - see pic below - cheers

 

Are you doing the work on that yourself? If so I would be interested in seeing a few pics of the work involved as you do it. I've done the secondary (upper) tensioners, but the rest is original.

 

[QUOTE=dibbit;1679301]Are you doing the work on that yourself?

Hi,

no a local mechanic will do it for me but just found out he be on parental leave so the work is re-scheduled to 14-15 June and they promised me to take some before/after photo's of the job. I will talk to them about taking some detailed photo's also on the lower tensioners.

One tip - Dave @ DCR Autoparts in UK sent me a "detailed professional 45 or so step by step guide to completing this important engine repair job" so ask Dave (enquiries@dcrautoparts.com) if he can provide this guide for You as this guide is part of their tensioner kit offering.

 

The "Torque" app is also really good for that. I troubleshot my a bad TPS sensor wire and a grounded MAF wire using the live graphs available. Has water temp as well. I sprang for the $5 full version.

 

[QUOTE=cdre;1681791]I troubleshot my a bad TPS sensor wire and a grounded MAF wire using the live graphs available.

great job !

 

Any special advise on how to pair up Dash Command/ELM 327 with an iPhone?
Everything I read on the internet says you can't pair ELM 327 with an iPhone

Nick

 

Elm 327 WIFI version works with iphone

 

ELM327 works fine with iPhone/iPad (iOS), just go to general setting, turn on WiFi and add the ODB... Wifi connection, then start the Dash Command App and select Connect. You can then change the settings so that the App always connects on startup.