I am in the process of changing out all the heater hoses on my XK8 (1998) AJ26 engine #980116 1931 due to a coolant hose failure (resulted in a cracked head) Current mileage 170,000. Parts book lists only one part number for the valve to heater water pump inlet (MJB6720AC). I ordered one from URO parts and it is entirely different from the one I removed. I called local Jag dealer, and they list only one part number for the hose for all models to 1997 to 2003. I am beginning to suspect the hose was updated in October 1998 with the introduction of the AJ27 engine, or the aftermarket part is simply not correct (the purchased part has a labeled with the JAG parts number). Have any of the members experienced this situation?

Thanks 4jagman

 

Avoid URO hoses. They are infamous for leaking from day one after installation....

 

Thanks for the tip, Jon
I decided to not run the risk and ordered from my local Jag dealer. Once done with the hoses it
is time to install head and time the camshafts.

Regards

 

I had to double-check that one too.

Jaguar has changed the design:- it looks quite different, but the start and end orientation is the same when you compare with the original, and it will fit OK, albeit not quite as neatly, IMO

 

Thank you for sharing, I will bring the old one with me to verify.
Part expected to arrive tomorrow so I'm looking forward to fun weekend of "fixing"

4jagman

 

While you're all on the subject I'd like to pop in with a question. At 73K on my '04 XKR I'm considering getting into hose replacement soon, has anyone had any experience with those silicone hose kits? Once going through all the hassle of pulling the s/c I'd like to do that octo-hose once and only once and I have to say I like the idea of the colored hoses too. TIA

 

If you are serious about changing to silicone hose, first check what type of coolant Jaguar recommends for specific model, not all coolants are compatible with silicone hose.

SILICONE HOSE AND COOLANT/ANTIFREEZE Several types of coolant exist, the main two being traditional Inorganic Acid Technology (IAT) coolants, and newer long life Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolants used in vehicles designed after around 1998. Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT) coolants also exist which are a combination of the two. Some types of coolant can be harmful to silicone hoses and other rubber, copper and brass components, so it's important to choose a coolant that is suitable for both your vehicle and silicone hoses.

hope this helps

 

Interesting point Jagman! It took me forever to figure out that I'm running Dexcool in mine, ha, at least I'm 98% sure anyway. On the one hand by having it apart I'll go ahead and flush the entire thing anyway which leaves me fairly free to run whatever I like. Would hope to stick with Dexcool unless anyone has any better ideas.

 

flymyway,
I've used Dexcool since I bought my 2003 XK8 ten years ago - have had no issues whatsoever with this coolant. It's been changed three times now with various cooling system component parts replaced either due to failure (recovery tank crack, thermostat housing burst) or failure prevention (octopus & primary hoses).