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So.....I finally completed this long over due maintenance issue on my 2003 convertible and this is what I found.
First option, if you are thinking of buying and replacing these lines that's great but, be ready to fork over $800 (and that's with shopping it everywhere). I wanted to bring this up because all the older posts and info would make you think they still cost @ $400. One of the small hoses that go to the engine side must be getting very rare because it's at least twice what the other hoses cost. Oh and don't forget you will need 6 O rings that come to a ridiculous $40-60.
Second option, If you want to reuse your old lines by changing the hose sections the challenge is finding someone qualified and willing to do the repair. Most shops, even larger ones that claim to make hydraulic hoses will probably say "I can't help you with that" as soon as you walk in the door. The reasons are; they don't have the fittings and there is no way to recrimp a hose ferrule after cutting off the old one. The only way to do this repair correctly is to cut off the ends and reweld new ends/ferrules onto the lines. I found two places that could/'would fix the lines. One place wanted $50 per weld which is fine but we have 8 of them plus the cost of hoses and ferrules on top of that. The second shop was owned by an old school welder and hydraulics specialist. At first he said he wasn't interested in doing the lines because of the time it would take him to do it and get them perfect. After panicking because this was my last place on my list I started talking to the guy about dogs, business, yada yada. Finally he looks down at the lines and says yeah I can do them but I charge by the hour and it might take me a week or two. Long story short He charged me $200 labor and $80 dollars for the hose and 8 ferrules. The hose he used to replace was a nylon braided 350 psi.rated. Everything went back together perfectly and I feel it couldn't be done any better.
So the moral of the story is...... try to find someone that is qualified and willing to do the repair before removing the lines. Honestly, it was way more trouble and angst than I thought it would be. Hope this helps guys
Hey Jack. The guy I used knew more about hoses than I will ever know so I let him make the decision as to what hose to use.The only concerns I had was the hoses had to pliable and exact which they were making everything go back together a lot easier.. All I know is they are nylon braided and rated at 350 psi sorry I can't be more helpful.
I thought a picture of the lines might be helpful for some that need a visual reference. This is what they looked like upon removal. It is a messy job no matter how careful you are.
I just found that Swallows racing has some conversion fittings for our oil coolers that convert the engine fitting to an AN fitting. Someone might be interested. SR Oil Cooler Adapter Kit V8 4.0/4.2 - Swallows (swallows-jag.co.uk) I would think you would need some alternative fitting that go to the stock oil cooler radiator? I take it the OEM radiator isn't an AN fitting? Are the fittings on the OEM hoses the same either side? If they are you can just get 4 of these adapters and make up some new hoses pretty easily and it should just fit on. Would be a good solution then rebuilding our OEM hoses?
Last edited by Kuddlesworth; Sep 19, 2024 at 11:08 AM.
I just found that Swallows racing has some conversion fittings for our oil coolers that convert the engine fitting to an AN fitting. Someone might be interested. SR Oil Cooler Adapter Kit V8 4.0/4.2 - Swallows (swallows-jag.co.uk) I would think you would need some alternative fitting that go to the stock oil cooler radiator? I take it the OEM radiator isn't an AN fitting? Are the fittings on the OEM hoses the same either side? If they are you can just get 4 of these adapters and make up some new hoses pretty easily and it should just fit on. Would be a good solution then rebuilding our OEM hoses?
The fitting on stock oil cooler are more like automotive air conditioning fittings.
Thanks for the link, the fitting is exactly what I was planning on making when I reinstalled my oil cooler. No way I could beat that price.
I wonder what size the AN fittings are?
Jack
Off the shelf fittings would be nice but an off the shelf set of hoses with nice new fittings and seals would be even better. I'd pay good money if someone sold a whole set of new hoses that where super reliable.
So are you going to abandon your custom-made metal "loop" that you installed earlier this year? If so, why?
Probably so. In testing the car without oil cooler I found a couple of situations where the oil cooler is needed in my opinion. One is when driving on the interstate and air temp at around 100 deg F at around 75 miles per hour the temperature climbs from about 210 to 240 pretty quickly.
Another situation is when on steep inclines moving slowly the temp climbs very quickly. It seems to do very well in all other instances.
I would think all the early Xk8's would show the same results if we had a way to test them. Jaguar probably realized that they would benefit from the cooler probably benefitting the plastic chain guides and other parts such as valve seals and crank seals..
UPDATE on my oil line replacements on the 2003 Coupe. The original crimped ends were removed and new readily replaceable ends were add ed by local certified welder at request of the Hydraulic hose repairman. He used quality Ag. hoses and had over 30 years experience. The slip on ends only required a special geered clamp with indicator to located the proper mounting location on each hose. We reassembled the new hose onto the renewed ends with a lube that appeared to be S.T.P. Andy Granatelli would be proud. No leaks and easy job. The Ag Grade hoses will outlast the car. Total cost incl. the new O-Rings $240.
If you are asking me, Yes, but if there is room I might consider 2 narrow clamps with turned edges to prevent cutting hose. I think I have some that are only 8MM wide. Seems they were called German style.
I just found that Swallows racing has some conversion fittings for our oil coolers that convert the engine fitting to an AN fitting. Someone might be interested. SR Oil Cooler Adapter Kit V8 4.0/4.2 - Swallows (swallows-jag.co.uk) I would think you would need some alternative fitting that go to the stock oil cooler radiator? I take it the OEM radiator isn't an AN fitting? Are the fittings on the OEM hoses the same either side? If they are you can just get 4 of these adapters and make up some new hoses pretty easily and it should just fit on. Would be a good solution then rebuilding our OEM hoses?
I emailed Swallows, here is the very interesting response,
The oil cooler adapter kit are for 10an fittings this is the oil line for the 19 row coolers that we use here, we are looking to get high level coolers re designed with brackets for large numbers of the X100 and X308 range first.
This will be the PWR coolers with Nylon braid AN hose for added durability, the kits will be available in a few months after development has finished.)
I’d like to see a companion pair that for the oil cooler that adapt the oil cooler fitting to AN-10. Then the rest of the line can be easily fabricated by the owner.
Oil Hose Geared Clam with Guide
Attached is photo of the Clamps sued by the Hydraulic Shop to align with the welded clamps and hose for my cooler lines. No problems and completed back in 2020. The 90 degree clamp attachment mounted to the end of the rubber hose. That place the clamp at the proper location on the welded on repair end. Snug was the torque and with a nut driver by hand.
I emailed Swallows, here is the very interesting response,
The oil cooler adapter kit are for 10an fittings this is the oil line for the 19 row coolers that we use here, we are looking to get high level coolers re designed with brackets for large numbers of the X100 and X308 range first.
This will be the PWR coolers with Nylon braid AN hose for added durability, the kits will be available in a few months after development has finished.)
That sounds great, I will have to keep an eye on their shop because I could do with a whole new set of oil hoses. A complete kit would be pretty damn great.
