Radiator has a hose that was fixed with just epoxy.. we are probably looking for a replacement radiator. I'm wondering if any of you have had issues with replacing it with a aftermarket radiator vs a used oem radiator? I'm guessing a brand new oem might not be an option? However if the same $ will be spent in the long run chasing fixes I'd rather spend that upfront and have piece of mind. We also have a power steering leak (I think) the mechanic said that could have something to do with the radiator if the pressure is off? Does that sound right?

 

I replaced the radiator on my previous XK8 with a Nissens unit from RockAuto. Nissens may have been the OEM brand. Wasn't too sure when installing as it still had the plastic side tanks but it gave me zero problems for over 3 years of service as a daily driver in the Texas heat.

By now there are likely full aluminum replacements available which in my opinion would be superior to the OEM.

 

A power steering fluid leak is usually a failing black plastic Norma connector in the power steering hose section that is underneath the battery. Many of us have fixed it permanently by cutting out the Norma connector and replacing it with an appropriately-sized brass hose barb and a short new section of hose along with three appropriately-sized new hose clamps to hold everything tightly in place. There are several threads here in the XK8 section that show you what parts you need and how to do the repair. Use the search function with the phrase "XK8 power steering hose leak repair" and read all about it....

 

My battery is in the trunk......????

 

^^ My bad -- I should have said "underneath the air filter box"....

 

Turns out the red leaking fluid was coming from a coupling on the firewall... (yay easy fix)...replacing with new radiator... also there is a freon leak. But that is going to wait... its tucked above the transmission I'm told. $660 cost. Not as bad as I expected!

 

Nissens is not the OEM brand. The radiator design of theirs is substantially different.

I believe OE is Denso.

If you want an upgrade, Radtec in the UK sells an all alluminum radiator with a larger capacity for our cars.

 

Jaguar XKR (radtec.co.uk)

£520

 

I replaced my with a Nissen's from Rock Auto as well - been a few years and thankfully still going strong

 

so we finally have our car back! The mechanic had a hell of a time getting the radiator shipped not damaged! 3rd radiator finally worked!
He also said initially the leak was tranny fluid, but I ended up correct in my initial thought that it is indeed power steering fluid. So he said he replaced the o ring.
WELL I'm sure you all know what I'm going to say next... its still leaking power steering fluid. My husband priced out replacing the entire steering system, but I think we should try the repair with a brass fitting 1st? I cannot find pictures! I have the written out instructions saved but I cannot find the photos, no matter what I search for! I wouldn't ask, but I've been searching for about 3 hours now... maybe the photos were deleted?

 

The battery is in the trunk ...???

 

The brass fitting to replace the Norma connector is a 3/8 x 3/8" barb fitting available at any home improvement store. TM

 

See post #5

Richard

 

Yep, that's the one.

 

I have found that the Nissens is not efficient enough for an XKR. It does well enough when driving sensibly in fair weather. But it gets heat soaked in hot days or when driving spiritedly. The XKR needs a stronger radiator than the Nissens.

 

I had the same problem as Mandybxk8 because the prior owner epoxy the lower transmission cooler hose joint to the radiator tank joint. i just cut both of the transmission cooler hoses and bypassed the radiator cooling core located in the radiator and installed a after market transmission cooler in front of the a/c condenser because the radiator was working fine.and all is working well now with no leak.