97 XK8 Heater not working
#1
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Hello to all,
I'm a new Jag owner, '97 XK8, convertiblew/47k miles. I've made some repairs already; rt front wheel bearing, rt lower ball joint, idler pulley, both front shocks, belt, front brake rotors, pads and of course the cup holder. Before I start on the heater not working, I want to ask if anyone has had this problem. The heater only blows warm air while I'm sitting still for a while. Once you start driving, it blows cold air. I've checked to see if the heater pump is running and it seems to run. The inlet hose to the heater pump is hot and the outlet line is cold. Could the impeller on the pump be broke, heater core clogged? Any ideas?
I'm a new Jag owner, '97 XK8, convertiblew/47k miles. I've made some repairs already; rt front wheel bearing, rt lower ball joint, idler pulley, both front shocks, belt, front brake rotors, pads and of course the cup holder. Before I start on the heater not working, I want to ask if anyone has had this problem. The heater only blows warm air while I'm sitting still for a while. Once you start driving, it blows cold air. I've checked to see if the heater pump is running and it seems to run. The inlet hose to the heater pump is hot and the outlet line is cold. Could the impeller on the pump be broke, heater core clogged? Any ideas?
#2
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Powell, Ohio U.S.A. 43065
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Greetings,
I think your last idea is the correct answer, these heater cores do clog. I've read more than once about owners having them replaced, and perhaps that is necessary in extreme cases. The few I have dealt with on XK8 were satisfactory after repeated flushes. Low pressure air allow so helps, and you may want to mix up a strong batch of Prestone radiator flush, fill up just the disconnected heater with it, and let it sit for a day to help by chemically breaking down some of the deposits.
I think your last idea is the correct answer, these heater cores do clog. I've read more than once about owners having them replaced, and perhaps that is necessary in extreme cases. The few I have dealt with on XK8 were satisfactory after repeated flushes. Low pressure air allow so helps, and you may want to mix up a strong batch of Prestone radiator flush, fill up just the disconnected heater with it, and let it sit for a day to help by chemically breaking down some of the deposits.
#3
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I've found the perfect answer to all my '97 XK8 troubles.
Ignore them and they go away!
Power surge/stall issues. Reflashed the TB under a recall notice but it didn't cure the root problem. Eventually it cured itself.
Faulty gas gauge. Cured after a few runs.
Faulty speedo. Cured after a few runs.
This car is programmed to mess with your head in an attempt to get you to throw money at it. Unless it is dead in the water, a situation for which I have AAA, I suggest giving it the cold shoulder.
It hates that! Eventually, it will bored with taunting you and go back to running normally!
Ignore them and they go away!
Power surge/stall issues. Reflashed the TB under a recall notice but it didn't cure the root problem. Eventually it cured itself.
Faulty gas gauge. Cured after a few runs.
Faulty speedo. Cured after a few runs.
This car is programmed to mess with your head in an attempt to get you to throw money at it. Unless it is dead in the water, a situation for which I have AAA, I suggest giving it the cold shoulder.
It hates that! Eventually, it will bored with taunting you and go back to running normally!
#5
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Thanks Jagtechohio,flushing will be my first step. I also noticed a little coolant leak around the thermostat housing cap. I have found replacement aluminum thermostat housing and was wondering if you would recommend replacing the housing with aluminum?
And thank you Jack Rabbit, maybe I’ll just turn my head as I walk be for a while, maybe I’ll get her attention.
And thank you Jack Rabbit, maybe I’ll just turn my head as I walk be for a while, maybe I’ll get her attention.
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#7
Join Date: Jun 2007
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#9
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I installed the aluminum one on my 2000 XK8. Since the aluminum is less cost than the OEM plastic one, if you need to replace it is a no-brainer. Left it bright but considered painting it. Once you take it off you will see that the plastic is simply painted black. Getting the rear bolts off is a real test. You will have to grind down a socket both in length and diameter to be able to break them loose. I think I can stillfind mine and will mail to you if you decide to replace. That's a once-in-a-lifetime tool. Send a PM if you want. Grind a blade screwdriver slot in the bolts to run back down. The multi-outlet fixture in front of the housing is supposed to be available also in aluminum.
tp
tp
#11
#12
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Thought I'd follow up, I replaced the thermostat housing, stat and cover today with the aluminum unit, bought from http://www.motorcarsltd.com/. Also flushed out the heater core. Replacing the housing and cover went very well. 8mm crows foot was the ticket. When we flushed the heater core it was very obvious it was plugged. you should have seen the mess.....Heater works well. Attached are some pics all back together
We are getting there, a couple of more weeks, we'll have it where we want it......
Thanks for the help.....
[IMG]local://upfiles/3685/3F79BC4220554AD98079CF4FD5739BEF.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/3685/997E5ACB7DB9427EB805041B0FE0F588.jpg[/IMG]
We are getting there, a couple of more weeks, we'll have it where we want it......
Thanks for the help.....
[IMG]local://upfiles/3685/3F79BC4220554AD98079CF4FD5739BEF.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/3685/997E5ACB7DB9427EB805041B0FE0F588.jpg[/IMG]
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Mike76 (04-26-2016)
#13