Hi there,
Can anyone point me towards a good video or instructions on how to replace the water pump on a 1996 XK8 Coupe?
I believe the original ones had plastic impellers and could break.
Are metal ones the best to buy and fit now?

Any help greatly received.

 

The orig plastic ones only broke because they had mileage and years on them. I would not put the metal impeller one on the car. They come with cheap paper gasket I would not trust.
My WP made 100k miles before it started leaking, the metal impellers where fine when I pulled it. I would get the AC DELCO unit, for like 65 bucks and put it on.
The repair itself is EASY. 5 bolts I think holding it on. Just have to drop the serp belt off of it, pull the pump, clean the mating surface, if ya cane clean up the threads on the bolts so they go back in easy, put it back on, torque them back in and there.
If you have big hands, it will be tight quarters but this is a easy job. 1-10, 10 hardest, this is a 4 at worse.

 

This is what I put on mine. I like the orig gasket set up with o-ring much better.

252 800 ACDelco Professional Engine Water Pump | eBay

 

+1
What brgjag said.

Not videos, but there are some pictures on Gus' brilliant website:

JagRepair.com - Jaguar Repair Information Resource

As your XK8 is near its 20th birthday take a look also at:
JagRepair.com - Jaguar Repair Information Resource
Both the crossover pipe and thermostat tower are plastic and deteriorate with age so I'd inspect them carefully, along with all the hoses.

HTH,
Mike

P.S. Any pictures? If it's anything like the Mk 2 then it is worth bragging about

 

I know of no video for this job also. I think once one gets into it they realize how easy it is and don't record?? ha ha
I would also say you may as well go ahead and do the t-stat and t-stat housing while you are in there. That is easy and while it is off the WP will be much easier with that little more of open space.
Also if you are the early year of the 97 model, and you don't know if your rad hoses have ever been replaced, may want to do it. If they BULGE anywhere or collapse (upper hose) after the car has been ran, replace them.

 

brgjag and michaelh,

Great replies and thanks for the really useful information. As you said, brgjag, bearing in mind the age of the car, I'll get the thermostat done as well. That's after I replace both catalytic converters (the precious metals in one has gone and is making a lovely rattling noise). I plan to fit two second hand ones.

Thanks for the useful links as well.

Just for you michaelh, some photos of the 20 year old beauty below (taken a few months ago).

BTW - drove the XKR around the Silverstone track on Saturday. Couldn't go very fast, due to loads of other XK's being in the way!

 

Now on the Tstat housing they do sell metal ones now days that everyone here will say is the route to go.

 

Thanks: wow - hard to believe it's 20 years old, and a nikasil survivor to boot.

Yes, I know the X150 is a better car in almost every respect, but you would be had pressed to get anything prettier than the X100.

Best,
Mike

 

brgjag,

Thanks for the WP hyperlink. Unfortunately that supplier does not ship to the UK. What do you think about the part at this address?

Engine Water Pump ACDELCO PRO 252-800 | eBay

It seems to suggest some things are not included - don't understand...

Any help appreciated.

 

you are good, it is the same pump. If you are unsure contact them through the contact link for that sale and ask if it comes with oring and metal gasket. But you should be ok.

 

I've had some success via Amazon US:

https://www.amazon.com/ACDelco-252-8...ywords=252-800

Cheaper on both price and shipping (£7.68), but there's a ~£9.50 import deposit which you may or may not have to pay from Ebay

Last items I ordered (idler pulleys) arrived in Jersey from California in 3 days


HTH,
Mike

 

Thanks for your help with all the above chaps.

Have just ordered recommended water pump, thermostat, thermostat housing, air con condenser AND second hand catalytic converters.

This will add to the list of jobs already done - new oil filter, oil, new alternator, full timing chain and tensioner kit replacement, key fob repair, exhaust hole rewelded and driver's window drop-height fix.

Also looking at testing/replacing the fuel pump, since car has stood for a long time.

At this rate I will have soon rebuilt the whole car!