Recently bought my first Jaguar - 97 XK8, 98,000 mls UK, that has a water leak when hot from the end of the heater feed hose at the back of the engine (where the rubber hose joins the metal pipe to the cabin heater, I think). Should I try replacing the original spring clip with a screw try clip or replace the hose and probably have to lift the inlet manifold to complete the job.

Thank you for your feedback

 

If it was me, I believe I would treat the car to new hoses under the intake, and get it over with. The intake is actually really easy to lift up. And then you can replace the intake seals while you are in there, and probably never worry about those hoses, or any future intake leaks, again. Any other future leaks or issues can be dealt with with the intake in place. Just my two cents...

 

When I got mine I discovered a leak where the heater hose connected to the engine at the back, I had the hose replaced and was told it wasn't an easy job but there was no mention of taking the manifold off, and it wasn't on the invoice!

 

Yes. The hose I think you are speaking of is a two part unit. It has a plastic connector that lives kind of under the throttle body to the left, and typically leaks at the fitting. The other side goes under the intake, about half way back on the left side. The second hose under the intake runs from the thermostat housing area back. You could probably "fish" that one through without disturbing the intake manifold.