Newbie begging for assitance.

[NRFD]

Hi Guys, I'm pretty new to Jaguar ownership and this seems to be the best forum I've found for information, unfortunately what led me to sourcing a forum is an overheating issue!

I have a 1998 XJ8 3.2 V8 and understand from searching previous posts that the thermostat can stick which destroys veins on the water pump. I noticed a post which described the exact same symptoms as mine, they are when sitting for a while at idle is fine but then overheating within 5 min of driving so assume thermostat and pump replacement will be my first port of call.

However none of the posts have listed another symptom I am experiencing which is the dumping of coolant at the front of the car near the passenger side wing (the volume of coolant varies). None of the coolant system visible is corroded (Radiator, Hoses, etc) but I have noticed a narrow hose which runs from the refill cap to what I assume is the expansion tank on top of the radiator and another the same which disappears into the passenger side front wing. Can anyone tell me where this hose goes and what its function is or if this dumping of coolant is a common side affect of the common thermostat/pump damage issue?

Thanks for your time and any replies!

Chris

[triple7]

As you rightly point out, as you car overheats coolsnt is dumped overboard due to expansion. I'm sure someone more techy will be along soonish. Groomi where art thou????

G

[NRFD]

Thanks Triple7, I followed the hose last night and it is a coolant dump line as I assumed and you confirmed, I have never seen anything like that before on any other manufactures cars that I've had! I think I'm going to order a Thermostat and Water pump today but any additional advice from anyone is much appreciated.

Thanks,
Chris

[kend]

There was an article in last month's JEC(?) magazine on changing the water pump etc and from memory I think it was a case of changing the drive belts and tensioners for the drive belts while they were off.
HTH
Ken

[octanebooster]

It was in July's Jaguar World. If you can't find a copy, e mail me through my profile and I'll send you mine as I've finished with it.

[NRFD]

Thanks for the heads up Kend & Octanebooster, managed to get the last copy in the news agents at lunch time so I'll replace them over the weekend provided the parts arrive on time! Seems an easy enough job having done one on a 6 pot BMW before.

I just hope this cures the overheating issue and I'll post my results after the weekend.

Thanks again guys, you're a great bunch,
Chris.