Coolant refill / top up EP37 Jaguar XK8 / XKR (X100)

Episode 37 Coolant top up and refill procedure.
A short description how to refill your coolant and release any air traps. Including a top tip of what not to do.
Once you top up the second time you may get some overflow this is quite normal and is the Cooling system setting the correct level via the degassing tank in the inner wing.
Channel = / odrmodurol
Please 'like' if you like the video by pressing the thumbs up, this is much appreciated.
Part of a series of short videos on the experience with maintaining our owns
1996 Jaguar XK8 4.0 V8 Petrol, 2014 Diesel SUV and 2013 Nissan Leaf 80Kw Electric car.
This is not an official guide and is for general information and interest only.
We Current have lots of useful playlists on the O&DR Jaguar XK8 Channel for these cars.
You can also find us on:-
Facebook - / damian.richmond.1
Instagram - / oanddr_modurol

[@oaktree3278]

Hi Damian, Just a simple job really, but wanted to get it right, thought of use and you've done it again! Excellently described and illustrated as always, thanks very much. Andrew

[@ODRModurol]

Andrew, thanks very much for your kind words. Glad you found it and it was useful. Much appreciated, regards Damian

[@greenpicky]

Easily understood and practical videos for an XK8.

[@ODRModurol]

John, much appreciated. Thanks for the comment regards Damian

[@osfceo]

Thanks for the top advice

[@ODRModurol]

Mark, no problem. You might also be interested in this video about the overflow/atmospheric/degas tank. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6ame2WOa7OpoKM Thanks for taking the time to comment, it’s much appreciated, regards Damian

[@alibahar8480]

Excellent,

[@ODRModurol]

Ali, much appreciate your comment, thanks Damian

[@jonluchessi1643]

Thank you

[@ODRModurol]

Jon, no problem hope you found it useful. Thanks for the comment regards Damian

[@FlashRoxx]

Great video guide, thanks! Now I just need to get the bloody cap off!

[@ODRModurol]

FlashRoxx, if you are struggling to remove it, it’s a good sign the coolant hasn’t been checked for quite sometime. Thanks for the compliment and comment, regards Damian

[@FlashRoxx]

@@ODRModurol thanks, yeah I’ve only had it since July but I think that may be the case

[@FlashRoxx]

@@ODRModurol thanks, yeah I’ve only had it since July but I think that may be the case

[@ODRModurol]

FlashRoxx, good thing for the car that you showed up, regards Damian

[@FlashRoxx]

@@ODRModurol hey, so I got the cap off with a little tap. Followed your instructions, doesn’t look like any leaks. Turned the engine on until it heated up but the fan at the front behind the grill never came on. I tried the aircon and it came out warm.

[@paolho]

👍

[@ODRModurol]

Paolo, thanks for the 👍, Damian

[@jonathanslade2358]

Hello, Thanks for your fantastic videos and advice, I have a 2003 4.2 XK8 on which I have carried out many jobs from basic servicing to gear box and differential service , new brakes electrical modifications etc. On your video regarding replacing the rear bumper reflectors from amber to red lights you say all XK8s have a wiring loom ready to connect to the new fitting but on mine I can't find it on either side. Any advice? Kind regards, Jon Slade

[@ODRModurol]

Jonathan, the looms are all the same. They might be hidden in the arches somewhere or someone removed them. They are normally tidied away and secured to the inner rails above the exhaust pipes in UK cars. Hope that helps regards Damian

[@jonathanslade2358]

@@ODRModurolthank you, I'll jack her up and have another look. Jon

[@ODRModurol]

Joanthan, sorry if you don't have any. Unusual, regards Damian

[@alanmilton8056]

Thanks for that, useful as always, however a couple of questions; ? will topping up the header tank automatically fill the expansion tank when the engine is at temperature ? Is that where the exit pipe that goes towards the bulkhead goes ? ? what is the 3rd pipe from the header tank, mine has an end which looks like it should be connected to something, but isn't ! Cheers

[@ODRModurol]

Alan, Thank you for your comment. Question 1 - Only the small amount you've topped it up with. Will need to do multiple times to achieve anything meaning full and you still wont be 100% sure until you check the atmospheric tank. The exit pipe from the cap to the bulkhead goes to the atmospheric tank. Done a video on this degas tank kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6ame2WOa7OpoKM. Question 2 - Not sure which engine you have? On my AJ26 there are three pipes on the top and the main pipe on the bottom. The three at the top go to, radiator, thermostat tower and atmospheric tank. You might not have/need either the thermostat or radiator pipe. Please let me know your engine and which one is missing. The main pipe at the very bottom joins the heater water system existing at the back of the engine. Please could you let me know which one is missing. Thanks for your input and interesting questions, regards Damian

[@alanmilton8056]

@@ODRModurol Thanks for taking the time to respond. My XK8 is a 10/1997 build with an engine number of 9710031456. Vin is SAJJGAED3AR020964. Not sure if I can add pics that I took to this system ? May need an email address. Currently physically unable to do much work on the vehicle, if I put a plastic tube from the header tank down the top pipe that heads towards the bulkhead would that add to the expansion tank volume ? Assume it does not matter if overfilled as will just be expelled upon expansion..

[@ODRModurol]

Alan, you prompted me to do a short video of my setup will post in a few weeks when we’ve sorted it out. You can send email us at [e-mail]. regards Damian

[@Redeye196513]

Good tutorial. Bizarrely, on my XKR if I top up to the filler neck I get leakage. 10mm below and everything is fine. I don't get any low coolant warning, so as far as I'm concerned, that all I top up to. I use the Ford OAT Ready mixed product, which I assume is ok for this engine .

[@garyvanremortel5218]

If using Dex-cool, you never want an air pocket in the system. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4jRgHWXncZ-a7s

[@ODRModurol]

You are correct. I believe you only fill to the top to expel all the air but also some coolant will overflow as part of that process. As you say as long as you don't get the low warning light you should be Ok. Thanks for the comment and message about the lack of sound, much appreciated, Thanks Damian

[@ODRModurol]

I had read about the antifreeze and air causing corrosion issue when hot. I didn't realise it attacked the gaskets so badly. Always best to top that filler up and let the degass bottle do its job. Thanks Damian

[@garyvanremortel5218]

The JTIS for the 2003 and on XK8s recommends a vacuum filling procedure and that's what I follow.

[@ODRModurol]

Gary, must be something they started after the introduction of the 4.2 litre. Thanks for the input and comment regards Damian

[@marklongo3571]

I see on your reservoir there are two lines coming off from the front leading to the front of the engine. In my 2001 xk8 I only have one line, and the other connection is empty. Was there a design change that called for a line to be deleted? thanks - Mark

[@ODRModurol]

Mark, well spotted there are two return lines on early cars (AJ26 I think). One comes from the top of the radiator and one from the top of the coolant tower, assume to reduce air traps. Later ones (AJ27, 34) only the one line from the coolant tower is used, assume this because it’s the highest point in the coolant system (apart from the header tank). Thanks for the observation and comment, regards Damian

[@videaubertrand2059]

Hi Damian, I'm a bit confused, since the Jaguar doc I have for my '96 XK8 is talking about ESD-M97B49-A, I suspect it was replaced by the one you're talking about (Ford WSS M97B44-D), but I just want to refill, and the liquid inside is plain orange, not red... Am I a "technical colour blind " person? I wouldn't be surprised!

[@ODRModurol]

Vudeau, I believe you are correct ESD-M97B49-A was superseded by M97B44-D. The colour is difficult to distinguish. The colour of mind looks orange in the header tank. Best to ensure you are using the latest spec M97B44-D. Thanks for the comment regards Damian

[@alexanderthegreat6480]

My tank has a pink floater for the level of coolant in the tank. It has a stopper at the middle of the tank (in height). Would you know by any chance where the coolant levl should be? Mine is just above the floater which is blocked by the stopper in the middle. The floater is a ring around a cylinder, sitting from bottom to top, that has a stopper in the middle so that the floater can't go higher than that. My coolant level being just enough to cover the blocked floater, do you know if that's correct? Thanks

[@ODRModurol]

Alexander, you just need to top it up as much as possible as the level to the neck of the expansion tank. Any excess coolant is control by the Atmospheric (degas) tank. This video explains. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6ame2WOa7OpoKM Hope that helps, thanks Damian

[@alexanderthegreat6480]

@@ODRModurol My tank is different than yours. It has a pink floater that can float up to half of the height of the tank. I assume it means it's the maximum level, just need confirmation. What would the purpose of the floater not being able to go all the way up? If I filled the tank all the way to the top, the floater would be half up in the fluid (because of the stopper). Any idea what that means? Thanks

[@ODRModurol]

Alexander. apologies I cant help if its that different to my car. Should give instructions in your car manual. What year is your car? Thanks Damian

[@ocwolfy]

Hey like an idiot some coolant spilt out the coolant reservoir after I topped it off a bit too high and some trikled on top coil pack(cylinder 8) how can I reverse this? Do I have to take the coil and plug out and blow it out? Or replaced the spark plug and ignition coil and blow all the coolant out with an air nozzle?

[@ODRModurol]

@ocwolfy, no problem, accidents happen. Dry everything with rags asap. Coolant will evaporate once the engines warm, except if it’s got caught into the Spark plug hole. If you are worried. Suggest to remove the coil pack, (don’t remove the spark plug). You will be able to see in coolant has got it. If it has, cover with a rag, to avoid fluid going into other components, and blow out cylinder 8 spark plug hole with compressed air. Hope that helps, regards Damian

[@ocwolfy]

@@ODRModurol Thanks, and I'm guessing I need to replace the coil pack because after cleaning it still malfunctions unfortunately

[@ODRModurol]

@ocwolfy, understood, hope you sort it out. Please let us know how you get on, regards Damian

[@bobbasta2637]

Bob Basta Hi I recently purchased a 2001 Jaguar XK8 with 40K miles. Recently, the engine coolant notice has been showing up on the dash. I read that the recommended coolant is WSS M97B44-D. When I searched for it , It was said that I could use Prestone DEX-Cool 50/50. Is this correct>? Also,when I checked the coolant level in the reservoir, it was low and green in color. I read that it should be orange. Also, one if the hoses on the top if the reservoir is missing. the one on the right as pictured in your video. Should I have all of the coolant replaced since the one in there is green and not orange>? And where does the missing hose on top of the reservoir go to? Thanks for any info and help.

[@ODRModurol]

Bob, Thank you for the question. From what I understand the coolant colour depends on the manufacturers die and not any industry standard. I think green was the original colour before Jaguar started using long life coolant which is orange. See TS100-13. drive.google.com/drive/folders/1WkC5LbgiDidDLZ3LKJ2RkFYVlLNq76vC Its a bit worrying mixing different colours if you don't know they are. Its best not to mixed different types in case of a bad reaction. Can you see from the service history what coolant was used ? DEX-Cool 50/50 (OAT) should be OK but double check it achieves WSS MP97B44-D, should be on the label. There is more information on coolants in the Xk8 bible see link - drive.google.com/file/d/1pcabHWHkF8G8j5mIgSFSh_YMabCIYKz-/view If in doubt you can add water to top it up in the short term to get you by. The reservoir design changed slightly from my 1996 model year car so don't be too worried about it not being exactly like your 2001 car. Hope that helps thank you for the comment, regards Damian

[@bobbasta2637]

Thanks so much for your reply. I will get the coolant you recommend. The other question is that of one hose missing from the reservoir. Looking down at the reservoir it is the right hose. All that is left is the port piece of plastic but not the hose. Where do those hoses go or come from? Thanks again for responding and your excellent videos Bob B

[@bobbasta2637]

@@ODRModurol Thanks again for your reply to my query. I found a coolant that is marketed for Jaguars. It is a 50/50 mixture and is green colored like the coolant in the reservoir. I will keep a close eye on the levels . Bob

[@ODRModurol]

Bob, glad you got it sorted. Thanks for keeping us in the loop. Much appreciate the comment regards Damian

[@reecemcqueen4216]

Is the same for the xj8 x308 3.2? I get a low coolant message on the screen and i checked the coolant and it dose look low but i cant see any max indicators, is it right you just fill it up to the neck?

[@ODRModurol]

Reece, I am not 100% sure but it is the same engine. Yes, you have to fill to the neck but note if the atmospheric tank is empty you will need to refill it. Check out this video How the coolant atmospheric Tank works and simple viewing modification V18 Jaguar XK8 / XKR (X100) kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6ame2WOa7OpoKM . Hope that helps, regards Damian

[@alexanderthegreat6480]

How can you correct the minimum level in the Degas bottle? Should you fill the expansion tank until it flows out to fill in the Degas, then fill again until half full in the Degas and full expansion tank? I was thinking to accelerate the process, is there a way to directly fill the Degas to half? Also, when you flush the coolant out using the plug, should you also empty the Degas, and how would you proceed to do that if so? Thanks in advance.

[@ODRModurol]

Alexander, hope you are well. The degas/atmospheric tank is controlled by a pressure valve so difficult to top up via the expansion tank. You can just top up the degas tank to half and then the system will naturally force out any air in the line to the expansion tank. I did do a video on that. See kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6ame2WOa7OpoKM thanks for the comment Damian

[@ODRModurol]

Alexander, it would be good practice to empty the degas bottle when flushing the coolant. Although I didn’t do that because it was almost empty anyway. Thanks Damian

[@alexanderthegreat6480]

@@ODRModurol how would you empty it? Remove a hose form the Degas and insert a syringe with an extension to suck it out maybe?

[@ODRModurol]

Alexander, not sure to be honest. Syringe sounds easiest, as not sure how to remove it, thanks Damian

[@alexanderthegreat6480]

I'll find a way. Although I'm afraid it could introduce air in the system. Thank you Damian.

[@frylock770]

Hi Damien. I watched your great video and looked at my atmospheric tank... which was completely empty (both when the engine was hot and cold). I took the car to the Jaguar dealership to look for coolant leaks. The shop foreman, who is apparently an XK8 expert, who was doing PDIs (pre-delivery inspections) for the XK8s in the 90s, says that the atmospheric tank SHOULD BE empty, and that the header/expansion tank should only be half full. I'm confused, this seems to contradict your and other jaguar owners' reccomendations. Is there any official literature that I could reference that clarifies the correct volume?

[@ODRModurol]

@frylock770, not sure quite what to say, as it defies both logic and common sense. There are plenty of references to topping up the expansion tank to the neck i.e. maximum (check any of the Workshop Manuals on our website www.modurol.co.uk). The correct level of the atmospheric tank is not clearly documented but experience has shown filling to half full is the best practice. The bit of extra coolant in the system can only be a good idea especially as the water will evaporate over time. You cannot damage the system though overfilling but you can seriously damage your engine by under filling the coolant system. This is why all his recommendations are extremely confusing possibly he is thinking of another vehicle? Hope that answered your question, regards Damian

[@frylock770]

@@ODRModurol Thanks for your reply Damien. I did find in the manual where it says to fill it up to the neck, so I passed that on at least and will let you know what they say.

[@ODRModurol]

@frylock770, interested to understand what problem you are having other than low coolant? Regards Damian

[@frylock770]

@@ODRModurol A few things actually. 1) Brought it in for a coolant flush because it had a pink coolant in there from the previous owner, and i'd like to know what brand is in there so I can top it off myself if necessary. 2) The electronic door locking also hasn't been working, they think one of the door latches is faulty, so I'm getting it replaced. 3) They told me the original belts (which the car has) are no longer what's reccomended for the car and at some point jaguar made a size change. So they want to replace the belts and get it up to date. Do you know what they're referring to?

[@ODRModurol]

@frylock770, no problem. Please let us know how you get on, regards Damian

[@garyvanremortel5218]

Don't all XK8s (even the 4.0L) have an atmospheric tank low in the wheelwell? If so it should be half filled. These days I would fully flush and convert to Peak Global Lifetime coolant.

[@ODRModurol]

Yes, there is an atmospheric tank (degass bottle) which is controlled via the expansion tank. The degas bottle accommodates the expansion of the system coolant during normal operation. On engine cool-down, the coolant contracts and is returned to the main system. Not normally examined as part of the refill/top up process. However, it could be another cause of low coolant level if not operating correctly. Thanks for the input, Damian

[@alexanderthegreat6480]

@@ODRModurol the odd thing is that on the service manual for the xkr (not the same schematic as xk8) the Degas is shown next to the tank, which is left side, or us driver side. But the description says right inside behind the wheel arch... Damian, when you drilled the home in the liner to have a view to the Degas level, did you use hard grommets/plugs to plug the hole or soft ones? I have only soft ones and it worries me that they will pop out on the road...

[@ODRModurol]

Alexander, don’t have an XKR so can’t help but just need to look and you see it in the inner wing if it’s there. I used rubber gommets, neither hard or soft just flexible. I would take the liner out to be 100% sure where you are drilling. Hope that helps thanks for the comment Damian

[@alexanderthegreat6480]

@@garyvanremortel5218 Thanks Gary. I was just wondering if I could use the ones I have already. But thanks for reminding us of your bible on the channel and for the link.

[@robertbongiovanni5957]

when I run the motor the top hose does not feel coolant going throw it and the does not over heat is this ok?

[@ODRModurol]

Robert, the radiator hoses won't get warm or pass coolant until the engine block is warmed up and the thermostat has opened at circa 180 degrees Celsius. The Engine Temperature sensor is also part of that system so is partly dependent on the thermostat working OK. The radiator hoses should normally get warm. If I was to guess you might need a new thermostat or water pump. Both quite straightforward jobs. Biggest issue is that they are at the front of the engine and the bonnet gets in the way. Easier if you take the bonnet off. We have done videos for all those jobs. Really need to investigate further, the maintenance history and engine type. Has it have a water pump or theromstat before? Thermostat tower upgrade? Hope you find and fix your issue. Thank you for your comment regards Damian

[@awalk5177]

I had my AC radiator replaced in the summer as it was leaking, it was done by a very good Jaguar specialist garage. Now winter came and my heater has stopped working and I wondered if it could be a heater air lock due to the AC radiator change or just a coincidence. Is there an easy way to expel air from the heater or any other solution to the heater problem? I'm sure I'm not alone with this problem. Mine is a 2005 XKR 4.2 with ever extra there ever was from Jaguar on this car. Or is this an opportunity for another video?

[@ODRModurol]

@awalk5177, Sorry haven't had this issue but might be one of several things. Air lock, Heater valve or heater pump at first guess. A link to workshop manual is at the end of this message and might help you. The Coolant system starts at Page 719 with the diagram of the system. The aircon radiator is in front of the main radiator, so would think they removed both to change the aircon rad. Hence, would have drained the coolant therefore might have an airlock. Jaguar recommends vacuum assisted filling for the later cars page 728. The heater valve and pump are located inside the engine compartment against the firewall, see Page 1157. Pump doesn't work below 16degC assume uses coolant temp sensor for that. Not sure how to check these are working correctly. Hope that helps a bit. Sounds like you have a very interesting car please let us know how you resolve the issue, regards Damian drive.google.com/file/d/1gPaQVWDfmI4hvE5vVzFNBwwyaND-Dd-0/view

[@awalk5177]

@@ODRModurol Thank you so much. Yes, it is an interesting car. whoever ordered it, as it was one of the last of that series, obviously went to town.

[@awalk5177]

@@ODRModurol I've ordered a vacuum filler as it will be used on a number of vehicles. My heater stopped working when the outside temp was -4C for about 10 days, so maybe that created a problem. I had the same issue on my previous XJ6 and they replaced pump and valve. I will hopefully get to the bottom of it. Thanks for the manual.

[@ODRModurol]

@awalk5177, the last cars were full loaded to make attractive even with the new Aluminium XK on its way, regards Damian

[@ODRModurol]

@awalk5177, sounds like you have repairs in hand. Good luck and keep in touch, regards Damian

[@ElliottJohnReid]

Hey Damian. I keep readding I need to drain the coolant first? Is this the case?

[@ODRModurol]

Elliott, hi, drain the coolant before what? Sorry didn’t quite understand your question, regards Damian

[@ElliottJohnReid]

Sorry. Do I need to drain the old coolant before topping it up? @@ODRModurol

[@ODRModurol]

@ElliottJohnReid, you don’t need to drain the old coolant before topping up. Please note you shouldn’t need to top up unless your atmospheric tank is empty. See the video link at the bottom for more information, regards Damian How the coolant atmospheric Tank works and simple viewing modification V18 Jaguar XK8 / XKR (X100) kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6ame2WOa7OpoKM

[@ElliottJohnReid]

@@ODRModurol thank you so much!

[@ODRModurol]

@ElliottJohnReid, no problem at all, regards Damian

[@user-yx9wy7yd5w]

❤

[@ODRModurol]

Alan, hope you found it useful, regards Damian

[@tonyferri1745]

My 98 XK8 is flashing the air bag light code 2 and 4 3times or either 24 3times I have checked the fuses have you ever ran across anything like this before

[@ODRModurol]

Tony, Not had any trouble with airbags. Also found this - Jaguar Xk-8 air bag problem code 24. Sensor Output Feed/Return Circuit Open Seat belt lock switch, driver System Disarm Failure or Internal Diagnostic Monitor Fault Sorry can't be more helpful. regards Damian

[@tonyferri1745]

@@ODRModurol thanks so much for your time

[@ODRModurol]

Tony, no problem. Have you done any work in the interior recently? Could have upset the wiring? Regards Damian

[@markdhannguno1288]

Hi i have a jaguar xk8 i replaced my water pump expansion tank and thermostat its not overheating but may upper and lower radiator hose collapse when become cold

[@ODRModurol]

Mark, not normally, sounds like the valve controlling the vent to atmospheric tank isn’t working properly. This should allow coolant to be drawn back into the system when cooling. Might be a problem with the new expansion tank. Have a look at this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6ame2WOa7OpoKM Thanks for the comment regards Damian

[@markdhannguno1288]

Thanks I got the replacement expansion tank at parts geek. My original tank have a crack thats why I changed it. I dont have a problem with my atmospheric tank?

[@ODRModurol]

Mark, have you checked the atmospheric tank has fluid in? Thanks Damian

[@markdhannguno1288]

Ok has to be in the middle of tank right and the expansion tank whats the normal level of the coolant?

[@markdhannguno1288]

What about when its running the radiator hose bulging? Whats the possible cause?

[@viraf21]

Are you not meant to flush and change the coolant every couple of years?

[@ODRModurol]

According to Jaguar service schedule every 4 years or 60,000 miles which ever is first. But that just keeps the dealer network busy. My car is a 1996 so in theory it should have had the coolant changed at least 6 times, no way ! The coolant is design to last a lot, lot longer, how long it up to you and the other components in the cooling system. Good question, thanks for the comment Damian

[@viraf21]

@@ODRModurol thanks for that. I have an xkr x100. Please can you tell me how you would completely drain all the coolant? If replacing coolant would you advise on a new thermostat too?

[@ODRModurol]

To remove the coolant you can get most of it out by removing one of the lower radiator hoses. There is also a drain on the engine near the starter motor. There is a video on my channel to change the thermostat see link kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKaqnmt4l52jgcU thanks for the comment, Damian

[@viraf21]

@@ODRModurol thanks you're very helpful. Please can you help me with one more query? On the xkrs is the thermostat in the same place as your video?

[@ODRModurol]

Sorry forgot yours is Supercharged (lucky devil). It isn’t the same as the charger is the way but it’s in the same general area. Sorry I don’t have any experience. Try the Jaguar Forum you should be able to find the instructions on there, sorry couldn’t help. Thanks Damian