what would cause this in a 2003 xk8

 

I tighten everything. but it still leak

 

The hose from the expansion tank has a jubilee (worm drive) clip on the end that's been leaking coolant.

Someone has been there before and replaced the standard norma clip with this jubilee (worm drive). It may have been overtightened and damaged the pipe branch it connects to or the problem may have been with the short connector hose in the first place.

Check whether the end of the short rubber connector hose is perished. They aren't expensive from Jaguar.

Graham

 

I check it out. After i loosen the clamp the was NOT snug at all it seem like it was wore out I'm going to get a new one should i get the jubilee clips. also the Thermostat housing is leak form the side is the system over pressurized.

 

The expansion tank bleed hose normally comes complete with size 14 Norma clips.

Norma clips are used on plastic cooling systems because:

1. they're quick to install in the factory
2. they always fit right when clipped up - no risk of overtightening

I always use them to avoid damaging the small outlet from the header tank or the inlet to the thermostat housing. Easy to crack these with overtightened jubilees.

The photo with your first post shows the radiator top hose has also got a jubillee clip in place of the standard type and the hose has been leaking at some time.

Is this car new to you or do you know its maintenance history on hoses / thermostat / water pump replacement?

Graham

 

The plastic thermostat housing assembly on the 4.2L on your 2003 starts to break down with microscopic cracks at around the age of your car. You are going to continue to have problems unless you replace the whole assembly, pn AJ89486. It includes the plastic pipes, all the seals, a new thermostat and coolant sensor. It is actually not too badly priced, about $88 list.

 

I have seep leaks at both my expansion tank spigots. Was hoping the hoses were breaking down at the coupling. They both have the Norma clips and appear to be original (33K miles). I want to try replacing the hoses first to see if that works. Can the Norma clips be reused? It there a special tool or trick removing / installing these clips?

 

I think there may be some terminology confusion. 'Norma connectors' usually refer to plastic push-on connectors that seal with o-rings..Jaguar uses quite a few of these.

The silver metal hose band type hose clamps with several 'humps' are called 'Clic' type clamps. Confusing matters, Norma does make these too, and they call them 'Cobra' clamps.

There is a special tool for those 'Clic/Cobra' type hose clamps, but they can also be removed with a pair of pliers and a small flatblade screwdriver as follows:

Pry open the clamps with a small screwdriver in the rectangular window on the clamps. While gently prying, squeeze the clamps together by their outermost ears with a pair of pliers.

They can be reused as long as you are gentle and do not deform them.

 

Thanks for the clarification. I have never heard the proper name for these hose clamps but I am sure I have seen them before on other equipment. No one I know seems to carry them so must be a dealer item. I see no reason not to reuse them as long as they latch.

 

Sorry for any confusion I caused there.

I called them 'Norma No 14 clips' to distinguish them from worm drive, NORMA being the manufacturer and No 14 being the size. Worm drive 'Jubilee' clips are also often called 'Terry' clips.

NORMA is a German manufacturer of a variety of widely used clips and connectors and not the specific name for this type of clip. They also manufacture 'Terry' clips!

Graham

 

Its is somewhat haven't had the tike to get the maintenance cought up. I don't know the maintenance history on it. Its something s going on with it too but nothing major.

 

From what store.

 

$72.10- here: Jaguar Parts - Direct JPLV Porsche Parts.com

Most Jag dealers should charge list, about $88.75, but some charge over list for their fancy waiting rooms.

 

Thanks I could some other on it look a different but it said that is was the on for o3 xk8

 

I found another leak i think is why don't have any heat. i read some where if you have if your low coolant light is on then your heater wont work. But any way can some tell if the is a seal inside here its leak a little more than the housing.

 

It might help to see the parts list for these:



These connectors (which I won't name!) need a special tool to release them. Are you sure you have a leak there? They look dry to me.

The low coolant light may be on genuinely indicating the coolant is low or could be a faulty sensor in the expansion tank. As long as the tank is showing coolant up to the filler neck, it's OK.

Graham

 

What's the name of the special tool.... it leaking from the bottom of it.

 

Look for a 'fuel line removal tool' the right size.

Alternatively, the new hose comes with a plastic ring on it you remove after the host is clicked into position - this ring opens up the locking clips. Take it off and use it to open the locking clips on the old hose then put it back on the new one to fit it.

 

Must be the week for coolant problems, low coolant light, level was fine had just check it prior to leaving home. Top hose swollen to twice it normal size with the engine running. Found a wet spot under the fill tank. Had planned on changing out the termostat housing in the near future, time table has been moved forward. Odered the parts to day housing and top and bottom rad. hoses. Still looking for low coolant switch. Thanks Gus for the link on freqently asked questions should make the job alot easier. Jim

 

Had a mystery very slight coolant loss with occasional steam emerging through LH wing to bonnet gap. Eventually traced it to a pinhole in the bottom of the expansion tank which only opened up when hot and dripped coolant onto the exhaust.

The car had the usual thermostat tower problems at the same time which didn't help with finding the tank problem.