Hi all,

I've started the update on my '97 XK8. The top pressure valve is on the way as I've spotted no issues with the hoses and the fluid is green and the top works fine. Tensioners are ordered from the local dealer, about $200 and will be installed. The mirror is on the way to Sybesmas, just in time as the good is massing on its bottom and ready to screw up my interior.

Anyway I'm ordering all new suspension rubber and ball joints and a water pump. My question: is there a difference between the pumps offered as the price seems to range from $30 for a rebuild (will not be my choice) to $100 for the most expensive brand.

Just wondering, Tom

 

The differences seem to be in the seals (cardboard or metal) and the impeller (plastic or metal).

Earlier Jaguar pumps had problems with the plastic impeller coming apart, later ones seem to be better, even though the impeller is still plastic. The most expensive pumps tend to be the ones with the metal impellers.

FWIW, I just bought a new water pump and chose the AC Delco model. I ordered it from RockAuto, whose description said metal impeller but when I received it, I found that it was actually a plastic one.

The gasket is the metal type, exactly like the OEM Jag one. In fact the whole pump is a ringer for the OEM one, and I wouldn't be surprised if the original was an AC Delco.

The plastic impeller on the old pump was just fine after 10yrs, so I kept the plastic impeller AC Delco model, and at $45 for new, the price wasn't bad.

I literally just put it on, so I can't comment about life just yet.

 

The early pumps were the ones that broke down and shed the blades. By about '99 or so, they were upgraded to a better plastic (nylon?) and don't seem to fail. There has been some discussion about metal vs plastic blades. The OEM replacement I got from Eurotoys has white plastic blades and is doing fine after three years. Jaguar 4.0L V-8 Water Pump & Gasket 97-03. When I removed my old one, all the blades were fine and I may have wasted my money, but after 11 yrs a seal could be wearing out, so what the heck. They always fail at the worst time. Good time to put in a new thermostat (remove pin or ball and install hole up).
The new gasket won't look like your old one, you won't need the rubber ring.
Have fun.

 

Better to stay away from the metal impeller pumps, they not only seem to be badly made (many reports of leaking ones), they are also not suited for the OAT coolant in our engines, as these don't contain any cavitation inhibitors needed to protect the metal impellers.

 

I read a lot about the differences in gaskets and o-rings before buying one, and was surprised that the AC Delco brand had all of those pieces, including the center o-ring, which most aftermarket pumps leave out entirely. That's what makes me think that they are likely (one of) the OEM suppliers.