Hi All, my first post, post intro. My RHD XK8 4.0 2000 UK Spec has a coolant leak from a hose at the rear of the engine. It is definitely this hose, not a valley hose or dripping down from another location. I am struggling to identify the hose (because it is mostly obstructed from view) or its part number, and welcome your comments and wisdom. The hose is connected to a metal pipe originating from the centre rear of the engine, the split is located on the first T junction after the metal pipe. From a birds eye view, it is located under the air intake. Any suggestions on the culprit hose?

P.S. I know it is time to replace all the hoses. The water pump, thermostat, and expansion header tank are done already!
P.P.S. Pics not uploading to follow, if possible.

Thanks

 

Heater Hose Assy. MJC6728AA but that part number has been superseded.(MJA6728AC)

Eurospare MJA6728AC

 

Thank you. Here is the pick. Do you still think its the heater hose - MJA6728AC?

 

Yes, also known as valley hose.

 

It looks like someone has already been in and cut off the plastic Norma connector that would originally have been there. Stretching the cut end forward to meet the metal pipe may be why the hose has split where it has.

That piece of spaghetti has several connections, and hides under the bulkhead, so I'd recommend removing the throttle body as it will make access much easier. Watch out for the hidden zip tie when you get in there.

TBH, if that hose is failing, I'd be tempted to also replace both valley hoses (to which it connects), together with the small tee piece on the opposite side of the engine (NNE3944BA). It's a cheap part, unlike the octopus you are replacing:- OEM is now $200+, I'm afraid.

 

Echoing what @michaelh said. Somebody has Mickey Moused the octopus hose connection. That clamp is not factory.

Definitely you'll want to pull the entire intake off and replace every hose you find. If one is disintegrating, the others are probably not far behind. The valley hoses are easy with the intake off. The octopus is a royal PITA but once done you won't have to do it again for another couple of decades. Eurospare seems to be the only company making a reproduction hose. Genuine Jag hoses are going for north of $300USD around here.

 

Thanks everyone. I've Mickey Moused it to a new level with epoxy, rescue tape and more epoxy so I could drive it 6 miles home up steep hills and switch backs - not a single drop of coolant leaked, although the epoxy aroma is pungent! Now to order the parts.

 

I have replaced the octopus hose twice without removing the throttle body.

 

That's impressive, IMHO. That's another level of difficulty.

 

Whenever I have the gearbox out on the X100 Jaguars I usually replace the heater hose assy and check the pump motor.