Hi All,
I am back working on the XJS - summer is hitting NZ and I have been putting off a water pump leak.

Water pump... rebuild / new / options?

Is it best to remove the radiator? Or can it be done in place?
I removed this when I purchased the car, did the fan, belts etc.... I have not done the hoses.

I really have 2 jobs.....

Hoses and water pump.
Oil leak Cam covers and oil sender etc

I am thinking of pulling the radiator, new hoses, water pump and clean up the front... maybe get the radiator cleaned it has been replaced.
Then put it all back together. winter job will be the injectors off, cam covers etc... to fix oil leaks.

Sound like a plan?

Oh and to add.... it is a small leak... how long can the pump last, what happens when it fails?
Just trying to work out if i can drive it at all?

thanks

 

That plan is sound.

Rad out, do the pump, hoses, crossover pipe, belts, chain tension access hole rubber plug, repeat in 15 years or more.

Make SURE its the pump. I have never had one go bugga up, BUT, that bloody hose from the cross pipe TO the pump top Inlet is the worst of any for not sealing. Coolant tracks around and appears to coming out the pump bleed hole.

On other Jags, the 1/2 engine variety, once the seal goes, and the water gets into the bearing, about 100kms MAX before the bearing collapses and the wobbles start.

 

Thanks Grant... I went and had another look.
You maybe right, there is coolant signs on the pull under the radiator cap.
That is quite some distance from the pump.

Tomorrow I will run the car and watch to see if I can see a leak, I have tried this previously without success but will try again.
Finger crossed I can see the leak... but I am starting to think it is not the pump..... that would be good!

 

Had that on one, tested my patience somewhat, but a simple "blanking cap" fixed it.

It dribbled down that spout, along the underside of the cross pipe, and around that hose I mentioned., and out the bottom of the pump.

Tried a pressure tester, nope, all good, so few stubbies, let it run with lid open, and simply watched and waited. Took 4 before it started to appear. Then it was simple, finish the beer, waitng for it to cool down, then into it.

 

Grant,
What is this chain tension access hole rubber plug you mentioned? Do you replace it? It there a part number?
I have the front of the '86 completely off now with easy access to the entire front of the engine. Replacing the belts, hoses, fan, T-stats.
Re-furbished fuel injectors, new plugs, wires, vacuum advance, coil.
Would hate to leave an easy fix on the table with access so easy right now. BTW.....no signs of leaking around the water pump or anywhere else.

 

It is this rubber bung:

Just below the head/block join on A bank. Better replaced with this:

Available from that guy on Ebay from Latvia who also does other bits and an AAV repair kit

 

Wipp the belt off and rotate pump for play, mine was stuffed, New sng pump and all good. I faffed about looking at rebuilding bearing and seals, got bored. New pumps don't have cast impeller and a bit lighter, popped old in the stuffed but keep storage box.

 

You have achieved Item 4 on the reqirements for proper V12 Owner/Operator.

HOARDER

I have a 12mtr X 12Mtr shed for just that.
Greg has a bloody Barn and a Loft, very clever V12 Owner.