Just found a company making Aluminum replacement Thermostst housings in the UK for XK and XJ called Welsh Enterprises Welsh Enterprises - New Jaguar Parts, Used Jaguar Parts and Accessories - XK120 - XK140 - XK150 - E-Type - MK - XJ6 - XJ8 - XJ - XK8 - XK - XJS - S-Type - X-Type - XF has anyone used them?

 

Sorry company is in OH USA my mistake! Found the company in a British Magazine that's my excuse and I am sticking to it.

 

Check out this deal:

Jaguar S-Type Aluminum Thermostat Housing Kit - Free Thermostat - Low Price | eBay

Just installed it yesterday...

 

I wish i used one. I replaced not only the thermostat housing but the entire water distribution pipe with the OEM plastic one. I busted the original one while driving at max speed. But, it was old. I cracked it, drove for about two months until i blew a three inch hole in it. I bet the metal one is much more capable of high stress.

 

I just bought an '01 (havent even picked it up yet due to DMV/license plate issues) but it has the aluminum housing on it. I had a '97 XK8 years ago, this will be a nice upgrade for peace-of-mind. Will get some pics up (hopefully by Friday) when I get it home. I will also check through the receipts and see what the previous owner was charged.

 

Thats a great idea, but unfortunately, its not for the 4.2 l motors.

Notice the vin restrictions. It's for the older 4.0 AJ-V8.

Think 97-2003 xj8's and 97-2003 xk8's.

For some reason jaguar went plastic crazy in those years. Between the timing chain tensioner guides and the thermostat housing they just wreaked havoc on what it otherwise a perfectly good engine.

Take care,

George

 

Correct George. My over-sight.

I think both eyes were focused on reducing weight in the '97-'03's and the bit about "will the light-weight component hold up under the conditions" got overlooked a few times. Jac

 

i have sent Welsh an E-mail to see if they have any future plans to build a housing for 2004 up cars. fingers crossed.