Thermostat Question
 

2000 XK8 Convertible

This weekend, a friend is going to help replace the thermostat housing with a new aluminum one I found on EBay. The car "Engine Coolant" light lit up last year and although there was only a couple of ounces of water missing from the reservoir, I noticed the upper radiator hose was collapsed and a loud gurgling sound emanating from the cooling system as it cooled down. Assuming it was a vacuum leak, I found a bad O-ring in the reservoir cap, replaced it, and the problem seemed to go away. However, I noticed a small amount of coolant leaking from the housing and decided to change it. I however, neglected to order a thermostat from Jaguar or Jag bits. I have located one at a locale auto parts store for about $12. The ones I've seen from jag parts stores usually run around $50. The car doesn't over heat and my cabin heater works well. So here's the question, given the time-frame (I can't reschedule my friends help) would it be advisable to replace the thermostat that's currently in the car, or should I take a chance on the $12 one from Autozone? Again, thanks for the advice.

Failsafe/Thermostat (7304-170) | 1999 Jaguar XK8 8 Cylinders 4.0L SFI DOHC | AutoZone.com
This is the one I used - nearly two years ago and no problems yet.

Thanks, apparently, 99 and 2000 are different thermostats. I miss-spoke. I meant Advanced Auto Parts had one. Speced for 183 degrees. I'm going with that one. Thanks again

As I understand it, you are only replacing the Thermostat Housing because it is leaking?

If you have no reason to doubt the efficiency of the existing Thermostat you could refit the original in the new Housing. To be certain it is functioning, the test is to heat a thermostat in a pan of water and note the temperature at which it opens.

Graham

If the new one has a pin or ball in it near the edge, make sure it's positioned at 12 o'clock.

Actually, the thermostat housing will not let you position the thermostat any other way but 12 o clock, due to the internal dimple in the face of the housing.

Gates part #33948 is the OEM part.
It says WAXSTAT and MADE IN ENGLAND on the thermostat.

I buy them in bulk from RockAuto.com

bob gauff

Done!
 

Changed the housing and thermostat. I read about the two rear bolts which required a special tool and had one made. (It pays to teach in a vocational school with an excellent auto program!) It worked beautifully. Now that I'm done with it, I'm offering it to anyone to borrow it with the understanding you return it so I can pass it around. Again, thanks for all the great advice and help on this site.

+1 on the wrench I made two, one box end and one open end. Could not a crows foot to work.