Jaguar XK8 Problems: Cooling system & Suspension

Berum
Sun, 22 Apr 2012 08:17:02 +0000
Maintenance/Repairs

Hello,
My 1998 Jaguar XK8 Convertible has several problems I can’t get to the bottom of:

Problem 1: The cooling fans seem to stop working, and I’ve replaced the cooling fan relay, which fixed the problem, but I noticed the cooling fans don’t kick on anymore. I sense the car gets hot, but the temp gauge doesn’t really show fluctuation unless the temps get really bad, which it doesn’t show. The car absorbs coolant somewhere slowly, about 1/3rd of a quart per month. (I had the engine replaced after similar trouble already). One other detail to point out, when I turn on the vents to bring in outside air, it comes in hot even though it’s cooler outside, and if I kick on the a/c, then the air drops to room temperature. I have done a lot of work to this car, including replacing the engine with a used one, changing the water pump, thermostat, upper and lower radiator hoses, “octopus hose”, among many other parts. I’ve had the car at Jaguar dealers and independent Jag specialists that are really stumped. It’s been at a indy Jag guy for a week now with no diagnosis.

Problem 2: The driver front tire is high and rubs the tire well when I hit bumps. The suspension was never lowered. I was originally told it was a ball joint. I had that plus the control arm changed (they come together). When that didn’t solve the problem, I was told it was the shocks, which I changed, it did slightly improve the problem, but the tire still rubs. I am now being told it could be the coil springs. Should I change the coil spring on the left only (where the problem is) or both sides? Is this the right solution? I have seen coil spring extenders that expand sagging coil springs, should I try this first? The tire size is appropriate for the car and hasn’t been changed.

13 posts - 7 participants