3.0L Engine Coolant Leak
#1
3.0L Engine Coolant Leak
Hauled the 03 home from Monroe, LA last weekend and finally found some time around work, kid's ballgames and helping the high-schooler construct a torsion catapult to pull some panels. I think the radiator is leaking but will R&R the DCCV nonetheless:
Some dried pink trails on the solenoid cans but that could be from last year's expansion tank change...
Still...it is an 03 - we've had it since 08, no indication the DCCV has ever been changed, but also no HVAC performance problems.
Anyone pull a radiator lately? What kind of mess am I going to make when I crack the xmsn cooling lines loose? And how much golden elixir atf will I lose?
Some dried pink trails on the solenoid cans but that could be from last year's expansion tank change...
Still...it is an 03 - we've had it since 08, no indication the DCCV has ever been changed, but also no HVAC performance problems.
Anyone pull a radiator lately? What kind of mess am I going to make when I crack the xmsn cooling lines loose? And how much golden elixir atf will I lose?
#3
Zane, although I have not done an S Type radiator, I had replaced sis-n-laws in her Infiniti about a year ago. Anyways I just looked it up on alldatadiy, the procedure looks pretty much the same. It was not a bad job at all.
Alldatadiy is calling for about 4 hours. There are a couple of O-rings that you might want to replace as well, also check the rubber "feet" top and bottom to make sure they are not worn out causing the radiator to viberate back and forth, I have heard that this is what causes the radiator seams to leak.
Try to capture any ATF gold, if its less than a half cup I wouldn't worry about it.
Alldatadiy is calling for about 4 hours. There are a couple of O-rings that you might want to replace as well, also check the rubber "feet" top and bottom to make sure they are not worn out causing the radiator to viberate back and forth, I have heard that this is what causes the radiator seams to leak.
Try to capture any ATF gold, if its less than a half cup I wouldn't worry about it.
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aholbro1 (09-27-2012)
#4
Zane your in luck, looks like about $150.00 for the radiator:
Price Jaguar S Type 2003 3.0L, 181ci, V-6 Radiator
Price Jaguar S Type 2003 3.0L, 181ci, V-6 Radiator
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aholbro1 (09-27-2012)
#5
Thanks Rick. I'll probably pull it off and just have it cleaned and seals replaced. Just did the Excursion a couple month's ago after the (2nd) collision - side-tank mounting foot crack caused a (probably lesser than this one) leak. Fins and tubes were pristine. Think that one was just shy of $100 - and with scary notes about fitment in your link....I'd like to stick with the same one if it'll work out.
But it was gracious and had a separate xmsn oil cooler, integral one in radiator un-used.
Any tips on flushing the block, heater core, et al? Figure I'll switch the coolant over to Zerex G05 - yeah...I know...lots of posts on here that that's what IS the Jag orange (red? pink?) coolant...but I just bought a load of it in July for the Exc and it is yellow...not orange or any redder-style derivative.
Thanks, Q
I see a cap-screw fixing the PS cooler lines to it on the right side, think I've got everything else sans aforementioned lines disconnected....looks like the brackets embracing the a/c condenser release as you lift it out....though I may need to stick my sewer-cam in there to have a better look at 'em first.
Oh! just remembered...I believe the fan shroud also has a pair of lower bolts I didn't get yet...Ford used clips down there....
But it was gracious and had a separate xmsn oil cooler, integral one in radiator un-used.
Any tips on flushing the block, heater core, et al? Figure I'll switch the coolant over to Zerex G05 - yeah...I know...lots of posts on here that that's what IS the Jag orange (red? pink?) coolant...but I just bought a load of it in July for the Exc and it is yellow...not orange or any redder-style derivative.
Thanks, Q
I see a cap-screw fixing the PS cooler lines to it on the right side, think I've got everything else sans aforementioned lines disconnected....looks like the brackets embracing the a/c condenser release as you lift it out....though I may need to stick my sewer-cam in there to have a better look at 'em first.
Oh! just remembered...I believe the fan shroud also has a pair of lower bolts I didn't get yet...Ford used clips down there....
Last edited by aholbro1; 09-27-2012 at 08:26 AM.
#6
#7
Got the rad separated from the vehicle this evening. Boy...I'd have to say it was a real (bitter ex-wife) in comparison to the Excursion! Lower shroud mounting was actually clips, but the lower condenser mounts attach to tinnerman clips on the rad side tanks. A/C line caused most of the trouble; interference with lwr hose nipple on the back and mounting boss for condenser/pwr strg cooler on the front. Minimal ATF loss.
Front:
Rear:
I removed the foam seals in preparation for taking it to Kirby's - doubtful I'd get them back, think they'll re-stick reasonably well with some 3m spray adhesive. Also pulled the tinnermans off, just in case.
temporary upper condenser supports of baling wire; temp upper fan/shroud mounting is a single zip-tie.
Also used a zip tie for right side of pwr strg cooler:
Dug out the radiator repair bill from the Exc. 'cuz I'm getting aged and couldn't remember where I got it fixed nor by whom and find that "Clean, rod, repair was only $58. $36 more for a plastic tank (cracked) and $2.97 in taxes brought the total to $96.97 and I seem to recall it was a same-day turnaround. So I'm hoping for ~$60 on this one as I don't need any tanks, only new seals and a re-crimp, or so I think.
Front:
Rear:
I removed the foam seals in preparation for taking it to Kirby's - doubtful I'd get them back, think they'll re-stick reasonably well with some 3m spray adhesive. Also pulled the tinnermans off, just in case.
temporary upper condenser supports of baling wire; temp upper fan/shroud mounting is a single zip-tie.
Also used a zip tie for right side of pwr strg cooler:
Dug out the radiator repair bill from the Exc. 'cuz I'm getting aged and couldn't remember where I got it fixed nor by whom and find that "Clean, rod, repair was only $58. $36 more for a plastic tank (cracked) and $2.97 in taxes brought the total to $96.97 and I seem to recall it was a same-day turnaround. So I'm hoping for ~$60 on this one as I don't need any tanks, only new seals and a re-crimp, or so I think.
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joycesjag (09-28-2012)
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#8
#9
#10
Getting from where I thought I was (pop off the xmsn cooler lines and a spare fastener or two) to having it dismounted consumed the entire Rush Limbaugh podcast of 26 Sept - all three hours...but if you get them...you know each hour is only about 33-35 mins due to lack of ads.....only one bitter-ex thus far....DCCV would normally consume another bitter but with radiator out perhaps only rises to the ire of a disgruntled ex-girlfriend...
#11
Ruh-Roh! Bad newds
Pinky from Kirby's Radiator in FTW reports my radiator is "Not repairable...yer tank is broke."
"Right, well I feared that but hoped it was just leaking around the seal....so can't you replace it?"
"Hold on, lemme see..."
(quite some minutes listening to Kirby ads and services on hold until phone starts ringing again)
"Hello?"
"Yep, I was waiting on some info on a Jag radiator"
"Ah yeah, there you are...sorry...just nothing out there in the aftermarket for it."
(thinking that means he can't get side tanks) "well, badness...but what do I owe you?"
"Oh! we don't charge nuttin' if we don't fix it!"
So I knit-round and picked it up. Dealer keeps a duty-unit in stock but it's north of $400 after necessary taxes and such.
Rick, I'm all over your link now, but it tells me "two available" both at $150, but one claims no trans oil cooler and there is no information at all listed about the other. Got into a chat with CHuck on that site but he seemed keen to sell installation services moreso than a radiator. So I never quite got an assurance that he has one with a trans oil cooler. I have found a few sites that list the same part number for the 2003 Lincoln LS as they do for the Jag....even so they are radiators sans trans oil coolers...so...I think I may try the Ford/Lincoln dealers to see if they have one in-stock and at what price. If attractive, I'll take my old one to them and see if they match up.
So...it was a bitter ex-wife to remove...and another one to find a replacement....so far.....hope that DCCV is easy with the rad out of the way....
"Right, well I feared that but hoped it was just leaking around the seal....so can't you replace it?"
"Hold on, lemme see..."
(quite some minutes listening to Kirby ads and services on hold until phone starts ringing again)
"Hello?"
"Yep, I was waiting on some info on a Jag radiator"
"Ah yeah, there you are...sorry...just nothing out there in the aftermarket for it."
(thinking that means he can't get side tanks) "well, badness...but what do I owe you?"
"Oh! we don't charge nuttin' if we don't fix it!"
So I knit-round and picked it up. Dealer keeps a duty-unit in stock but it's north of $400 after necessary taxes and such.
Rick, I'm all over your link now, but it tells me "two available" both at $150, but one claims no trans oil cooler and there is no information at all listed about the other. Got into a chat with CHuck on that site but he seemed keen to sell installation services moreso than a radiator. So I never quite got an assurance that he has one with a trans oil cooler. I have found a few sites that list the same part number for the 2003 Lincoln LS as they do for the Jag....even so they are radiators sans trans oil coolers...so...I think I may try the Ford/Lincoln dealers to see if they have one in-stock and at what price. If attractive, I'll take my old one to them and see if they match up.
So...it was a bitter ex-wife to remove...and another one to find a replacement....so far.....hope that DCCV is easy with the rad out of the way....
#12
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aholbro1 (09-29-2012)
#13
Thanks Rick, I just added that one to my watch list before I checked the forum this morning! Local Ford parts counter not open this morning, but 5-Star in NRH is, they don't have an LS but did have a price: $400+chg+tax, so I reckon I'll cut the Lincoln search - can get the Real-live Jag one for near-as-makes-no-difference.
At this point, kids'll be home Wed night and (probably) wanting a car...and will need it by Sunday - I may well just bite the bullet and get the Dlr version, rather than risk eBay shipper whims. (Kicking self now for not tearing into it a few days sooner!)
Interesting side-note of this search: apparently, this radiator is common to the XJ8/XJR series as well!
At this point, kids'll be home Wed night and (probably) wanting a car...and will need it by Sunday - I may well just bite the bullet and get the Dlr version, rather than risk eBay shipper whims. (Kicking self now for not tearing into it a few days sooner!)
Interesting side-note of this search: apparently, this radiator is common to the XJ8/XJR series as well!
Last edited by aholbro1; 09-29-2012 at 10:53 AM.
#14
Do you know the specific Ford spec for the 99 - 02 S Types? I only ask as I have Dex Cool in use - thanks!
#15
I checked the Prestone Dex Cool and this spec is listed as meeting the requirement. So, in essence, Dex Cool is good to go on 2000-2002 S Types - just ensure the spec that is listed on the cowl matches on the coolant you use.
#16
Maybe Jaguar did spec the same Dex-Cool for the entire production run?
My 2005 STR uses Dex-Cool. My wife’s 2003 Lincoln LS uses the yellow/gold fluid meeting spec WSS-M97B51-A1 and G05 satisfies that.
aholbro1;
I have never had any luck re-crimping the side tanks. I can't find a shop that will do it. Everyone has told me it's not a permanent repair and it will leak again?
Has your other repair held up?
.
.
.
My 2005 STR uses Dex-Cool. My wife’s 2003 Lincoln LS uses the yellow/gold fluid meeting spec WSS-M97B51-A1 and G05 satisfies that.
aholbro1;
I have never had any luck re-crimping the side tanks. I can't find a shop that will do it. Everyone has told me it's not a permanent repair and it will leak again?
Has your other repair held up?
.
.
.
#17
Maybe Jaguar did spec the same Dex-Cool for the entire production run?
My 2005 STR uses Dex-Cool. My wife’s 2003 Lincoln LS uses the yellow/gold fluid meeting spec WSS-M97B51-A1 and G05 satisfies that.
aholbro1;
I have never had any luck re-crimping the side tanks. I can't find a shop that will do it. Everyone has told me it's not a permanent repair and it will leak again?
Has your other repair held up?
.
.
.
My 2005 STR uses Dex-Cool. My wife’s 2003 Lincoln LS uses the yellow/gold fluid meeting spec WSS-M97B51-A1 and G05 satisfies that.
aholbro1;
I have never had any luck re-crimping the side tanks. I can't find a shop that will do it. Everyone has told me it's not a permanent repair and it will leak again?
Has your other repair held up?
.
.
.
#18
Last edited by aholbro1; 10-01-2012 at 10:20 PM.
#19
Whew! Finally completed the task last night....just as the kids were getting home for "Fall Break." I R&R'd the radiator and DCCV, flushed system repeatedly with distilled water and refilled with Zerex G05. If you work at it, and hold your tongue just right, you can drain enough out of the radiator drain port such that 5.5 qts brings the 11 qt capacity system to the tippy-top of the "Max" step in the expansion tank. So, distilled water resident, topped up with 5.5 qts of Zerex G05 uncut/unadulterated should put me good to go on 50/50 mix. If it burps again before she heads back to LA on Sunday I have Zerex/distilled 50/50 mixed already and prominently labeled via Sharpie for top-up.
I took bunches of pics...doubtful the proper shots to do a JoycesJag-quality how2 but I'll take a stab at putting something together in the next weeks if I can find the time. A/c line to lower hose nipple on Rad (clearance) is the greatest obstacle. Flushing away the orange (which is really more a "menstrual pink") in order to put a proper heavy-duty ext. life coolant in is the most time-consuming.
I took bunches of pics...doubtful the proper shots to do a JoycesJag-quality how2 but I'll take a stab at putting something together in the next weeks if I can find the time. A/c line to lower hose nipple on Rad (clearance) is the greatest obstacle. Flushing away the orange (which is really more a "menstrual pink") in order to put a proper heavy-duty ext. life coolant in is the most time-consuming.
#20
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