Anyone Actually Change Coolant on the V-8
#1
Anyone Actually Change Coolant on the V-8
So I decided to change my 7 yr old coolant in my F-Type R V-8 AWD. Now I've gone through the forum looking for someone that has actually done this and posted, but no luck. I have also seen all the references to the workshop manual. But here is the problem. Thinking I could just open the drain plug on the radiator, along with removing the 2 plugs on each side of the block, and flush 2-3 times, sounds simple. WELL those 2 block plugs on the V-8 are mot even practical to get to. The driver side plug is right next to the A/C condensor in which you would need to remove first. The passenger side plug is also blocked by the front wheel drive system. This is making it very difficult for a DIY. The only way I can see at this point is finding a shop or dealer that has a flushing machine that somehow hooks up to suck the old out and push the new in. I have the tools to put the new coolant in without bleeding, but haven't figures a way to get all the old antireeze out. I really don't want to take this to a dealer. Anyone on here actually done this??? Tips and/or advice ??
Is the 60% water and 40% coolant still the best mixture instead of the 50/50 workshop manual recommendation ?
Is the 60% water and 40% coolant still the best mixture instead of the 50/50 workshop manual recommendation ?
#2
With these modern and VERY complex cooling system I would not even try it without using a vacuum refilling setup?
They are common and cheap now because they are so useful and really just about all cars will benefit.
All shops use them for a different reason. No topping up or refilling as there are no air pockets. One and done!
Shops are under time constraints to make maximum money so this tool is a no brainer for them.
The only complicating factor is all the different cap configurations and most kits do come with a selection but again Jaguar is different and you might need to buy a specific adapter for your Jaguar. These kits run $40-$80. Heck even Harbor Freight has one now!
I run 50/50 but also have a coolant refractometer which again is very inexpensive. This way I know exactly how cold I am protected too. These are dirt cheap at around $15-18 all over. Here is mine I paid $18.
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They are common and cheap now because they are so useful and really just about all cars will benefit.
All shops use them for a different reason. No topping up or refilling as there are no air pockets. One and done!
Shops are under time constraints to make maximum money so this tool is a no brainer for them.
The only complicating factor is all the different cap configurations and most kits do come with a selection but again Jaguar is different and you might need to buy a specific adapter for your Jaguar. These kits run $40-$80. Heck even Harbor Freight has one now!
I run 50/50 but also have a coolant refractometer which again is very inexpensive. This way I know exactly how cold I am protected too. These are dirt cheap at around $15-18 all over. Here is mine I paid $18.
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Last edited by clubairth1; 05-16-2023 at 09:11 AM.
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#3
#4
A coolant replacement has been on the agenda for my '15 in the indeterminate future, even have the coolant. However, I have been stymied by the lack of info regarding the procedure required to properly drain and refill the rad, block, intercoolers, etc., especially having read threads indicative that the process has not gone as expected. Jaguar has it, but they ain't sharing; I am far too thrifty to let a dealer at it, and afraid they would do something unwanted like a "software update" at the same time. Rather like the Knowledge of London, if anyone has it, please help.
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One tip for new players - on page 2493 it says (really just shows) to disconnect the upper of the two thin expansion tank tubes from where it plugs into the top cross-over / Y pipe coolant pipe, and on the next page it says to reconnect it. Problem is, this little tube and especially that connector (and the same for the other tube and connector underneath) become extremely brittle with age and break apart as soon as you try to budge them. I found this out when I removed the expansion tank tube to replace it with a new one (that top little tube had cracked/split at the end join), the clip disintegrated as soon as I tried to pry it open/off.
Moral of the story - get yourself a new expansion tank tube/pipe BEFORE you follow this procedure, they are relatively cheap around $25 US (I got mine from BritCar a few years ago) and it's good preventative maintenance anyway as that tube/pipe failing is relatively common.
Sorry, the part number is around here somewhere but as usual I can't find it!
#10
#11
Like I stated before, I have looked at the manual pages. It seems simple because they show pictures with nothing obstructing the plugs in the block. Just go look at the real thing, and you will see a completly different picture. I also agree with the small tubing cracking or breaking in just trying to remove the upper hose and expansion tank. Engineers certainly didn't want to make this an easy maintenance item to contend with.
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