Hi Guys,
Kitty been running great but went to replace knock senor and saw coolant puddled. Clean it up and watched and found leak towards thermostat. Went to remove hoses to get to thermostat and was removing what I would call a plastic manifold attached to radiator hose, both sides of engine and connected by the bypass hose to the thermostat. The temperature sensor and heater hose is also connected to it. I removed all the bolts and as I removed it I found a large crack in it.
Problem is I can not find the part anywhere online or mention of it in the forum. Anyone know what it is called and/or the part #? Since my wife drives the car I would feel better replacing than epoxing it.
Thanks,
Ken

 

I think thats the thermostat housing I have heard so much about. Apparently there is an upgraded aluminum one you can buy. I am still rocking the plastic one that someone put on mine.

 

I believe what you are describing is the coolant rail that passes in front of the thermostat housing tower. One end of it is connected to one of the radiator hoses, the other radiator hose going to the thermostat housing. I dont know the part number I'm afraid but once you have it off you should find the number stamped on it. Also, if you have plastic thermostat housing it is wise to replace it with the aluminium one while doing the rail job. There are several threads on replacing the housing tower in this forum, not least those that helped me change mine last week.

 

BTW, both parts, rail and thermo housing can be bought quite cheaply on ebay. Search ebay for xj8 coolant rail, and also xj8 metal thermostat housing. See my thread on "8mm crowsfoot or similar" for some other tips, and any other threads on thermostat housing replacement. Hope this helps.

 

Thanks guys. You have been a great help! Found it on ebay then did a search for a water distribution pipe and found it at Auto parts warehouse much cheaper.
I will take both of your advise and install an aluminum thermostat cover.
Again, Thanks so much as I had been searching for hours.
Ken