Asking what shops usually charge(Northern California, Sacramento) to replace coolant reservoir and sensor, ‘97 XK8 .... and also for replacing lower oil pan gasket. I know major portion is labor.
Wanting to address those two biggee things before I I do a serious road trip. Not 100% sure I need those done, but it’s a possibility.
Had a Maserati pass me yesterday(in town), and driver gave my car a “thumbs up”. Smiley face.

 

Resivior, & sensor? Last time I did it:
Sensor less than 5 minutes. You probably didn't realize how accessible and easy it is to change. If you do it yourself, but some Teflon tape for threads. Other than that, just need your fingers and a wrench.

Coolanr resivior (excuse spelling:-) - half hour on a bad day. Gosh another super easy job mate. FYI. Look at the pipes that come to it over engine from front. They are hard plastic. They will break fast / easy. Just replace them with thin rubber hose. (Might save you time &$$$)

Oil pan can't comment.

John

 

Thanks, it sounds easy(it’s not that I’m not willing, and budget hates car repairs..just bad hands) .
just had car in for a quick look-see by shop that did coolant/radiator flush a couple days ago..he topped it off, “air” in the thing..and said sensor was reading correctly...not to panic.
This may be THE shop.

 

if you lived closer, I'd do it for some cold beverages. Maybe there are enthusiasts in the area - local Jag club that would do the work as part of a Tech session

 

Like x100!

You should dive in Brotha, the water is fine... You got this!

 

Do you like Pacifico?? You would enjoy the scenery on the drive! LOL!

 

Seems that no one wanted the responsibility of that rubber at the top of my rear window on convertible top. Body shop, auto glass, auto upholstery....nope, nada, zip. Service mgr at local shop(did my coolant/radiator flush/fill) told me that he rarely suggests that a customer take a car to dealer for service, but sent me to local Jaguar dealer. Done.
List is shorter, budget taking a hit, but it’s a relief to have it done.

 

Shop that did the coolant should be able to do the reservoir. Reservoir cost is less than $50. It's an easy job. Just make sure they "burp" it (squeeze hoses to push out any air). Reservoir should be full to to the top of the tank (not the top of the filler). Check level from time to time to make sure there aren't any fluid leaks. Unscrew ONLY when engine is COLD. It's a high pressure system that, when hot, will blow coolant out. The aftermarket cap is pretty hard to get off. I use a pair of channel lock pliers (and grease the threads of the cap). Teflon tape sounds interesting (both to seal and maybe ease removal?). Might be a challenge for your hands.

 

Ca jag, glad you caught this. I was only saying Teflon tape for the sensor. Never even thought of it for the filler nor did I ever even consider that it might make unscrewing the top off the resivior easier. Hell if that works - you get full credit. We'll call it the CaJag tweak?!!

John

 

I’ve said for years and now I’m absolutely serious.....
I would love to have hands-on car maintenance “classes “ to facilitate the process of learning, without the panic of oh-my-God-the -car-is-broken. I know just the guy in this area, BobRoy. Every time my car comes into contact with him, I learn so much. It’s the no nonsense experience, and willingness to educate.
Love the sharing and caring on the Forum, but nothing compares to hands-on, in person.
All you forum members rock!

 

Even if you don't actually do the work, it's handy to know when someone either doesn't know what they're doing or is overcharging. Like say, the quote for 700 to change
the ATF. Or, oh dear, your car needs at least 2,000 in work (based on the brand, hasn't started the engine or driven it). I think your car purrs when it's in BobRoy's garage.

 

Go Bob!!