Massive coolant leak, suspect thermostat or water pump ?

 

Go to Advance Auto Parts or Autozone and borrow their cooling system pressure test kit. That is the absolute best way to locate the source of cooling system leaks in these cars. It is often a failed plastic coolant reservoir that leaks from the black plastic nozzles or the seams in the reservoir itself. It could also be your plastic thermostat tower. If both of these components on your vehicle are factory-original, you are long overdue for failure....

 

Tom,

Need a lot more details about the car and your issue.

Your title is about thermostat removal and it's different method for the XK8 and the XKR, NA or supercharged engine. Is your engine overheating? Are you handy DIYer as this is very do-able for the home shade tree mechanic?

Why do you suspect the thermostat is the source of the leak? You say it's a massive leak, so can you see it? I would strongly suspect the plastic cooling cross over pipe which, if it's factory OEM original, it's way overdue replacement. It's hoses connects the cooling tower to the water pump & radiator and the feed/return hoses in the engine Vee Valley.

You mention the water pump, and if you're into changing the plastic cross over pipe, it's worth changing the water pump as, again if it's factory OEM, the pump is probably on its last legs. The water pump is right there under the cross over pipe and not too expensive. This is preventative maintenance as if the car does overheat, it's an engine killer.

 

Minimal post, suspect more information needed.

Graham