I recently purchased a 2006 XK8 with 35,600 miles. The car was part of an estate and had not been driven regularly for a while. I had all the fluids changed out at a reputable shop. I noticed when the motor was cool the top radiator hose was partially collapsed. When I start the car and drive it the hose returns to its normal size and configuration. The hose seems somewhat soft when squeezed compared to the hoses on my other cars. The car does not overheat or give any indication that anything is wrong. The garage could not explain the issue and said they did not notice anything unusual while they had it. I have always been taught that when a radiator hose gets flat or loses its configuration it is time to replace it. Should I replace the hoses or is there no need to worry? Any responses would be appreciated.

 

I think you are in the wrong Forum. This Forum is for XKs Model year 2007-2015. You probably have an XK8 otherwise known as an X100; XKs are also known as X150s. Suggest you move your post to the other Forum or a moderator will do it for you. At any rate, it is probably time to replace the hose before it bursts on you.

 

Yep it happens with age, little use as the internak wall of the hose deteriorates to the point of hose collapse. It happened on my 1996 XK8 and was an easy DIY fix when engine was cold with minimal coolant loss. Get them directly neq from a main dealer.

Change all fluids PS, brake, even the washer fluid, and dont forget to regas the AC.

If.you live stateside Ralph is xorrect yours in the X100, in Europe you can have a 2006 that's an X150.
Oh and remember to check tjose chassis legs if it's an x100.

Best of luck

 

Welcome to the forums Scott,

Have you previously registered under another ID with the same question? That phrase seems familiar.

I've moved your post from X150 to X100 forum. Members here with the same model will be able to help.

Graham

 

I used the same term when I bought mine in 2018, it had been sitting unused for 14 months whilst his kids sqaubbled about divvying up their dad's estate. Car was left outside and boy did it need some serious cleaning & paint correction...it was all green around the rear leaper

 

Senile decay or worse. Not too long ago I'd not only have recalled the phrase but would also have remembered the post.

Graham

 

The easy answer is to replace both radiator hoses. I went with Uro hoses from the rock place, seemed much thicker walled.

FWIW, the design calls for these hoses to resist some negative pressure as excess coolant is pushed to a recovery tank when hot, and then needs to be sucked back in when cold. You might want to also replace the tank cap to make sure that mechanism still works.

While you are there, double check the heater/valley hoses as well as the (in)famous octopus hose, especially the Norma ends (broadly speaking, right over the cat converters). The heater hoses can be touched by the thermostat tower. It is a bigger job to replace them, so they are usually neglected and can get scary soft to the touch, i.e. ready to blow.

If you are messing around with coolant level, make sure you do not mix in the wrong kind as it can produce a gel. The factory fluid is Dexcool (orange color).

Best of luck, keep us posted.

 

Hi Scott, that hose is so easy to replace, just go for a new one.
I'm posting this because whenever we see the collapsed hose symptom, and its happened to me too, the solution is to replace the cap on the overflow tank. I don't think anyone mentioned it above, but maybe I read too fast. The cap is available at local auto parts store.
John

 

What about that radiator cap?