REMOVING RADIATOR DRAIN PLUG ON XK8

[doug]

Hi
I would be grateful if someone could tell me the best way to remove the radiator drain plug on an XK8 so a new one can be fitted.
Thanks
Doug

[mike020150]

Slightly puzzled by the request. The radiator drain plug has two screwdriver slots at 90 degrees allowing it to be unscrewed and removed along with its washer. Mike.

[doug]

Mike, thanks for your response. The plug has 2 short "arm"s which each have a barb at the end to prevent the plug accidentally dropping out of the radiator. The problem I am having is that the plug, when fully unscrewed, does not come out far enough to allow these "arms" to be squeezed together and allow the barbs to pass through the hole. A photo of the drain plug can be seen here:

https://xks.com/i-7146815-jaguar-drain- ... 20622.html

[mike020150]

Thanks. Now I understand the problem. I'm afraid the answer is steel yourself and apply some good old-fashioned brute force whilst praying you don't cause more of a problem than you set out to cure! Mike.

[charles.henriques111]

Rather a long time after your need to know, but this may be helpful to others.

I have just done a coolant change on my 2001 XK8 Coupe. I think you can get at it with the air cleaner box removed but I went underneath.
Once the alternator cooling duct is removed the drain plug is easily accessible bottom right of the rad (drivers side) but set forward slightly, round with a cross indent, but it took some persuading to unscrew! I found a coin was the best tool in the end for replacing it. Having unscrewed it and removed it with a good tug, the plug seemed serviceable but the gasket/washer had started to split so definitely needed a new one. Jaguar still have the part available but at £15 it seems a bit rich when the same part is used on a Mk6 (2007) Ford Fiesta 1.4 and available from Ford within 24 hours for £9.50. (I am still waiting to hear from my local Jaguar parts dept and its been over a week!) Another thing I found was that the plug needs to be a bit more than just nipped up otherwise it will leak. A smear of plumbers silicone grease on the rubber gasket might have helped because you don't want to overtighten it. Hope that helps someone. Charles.

[Astromorg]

Yes, Charles, I think that will be useful not only to those unfamiliar with the method, but that alternative choice of plug supply is always worth knowing . Thank you.

The irritating aspect of draining the radiator (on mine anyway) is that the coolant runs out all over the front steel crossmember and probably between the radiator base and the crossmember, plus inside it through some of its apertures around there. It corrodes easily anyway without filling it with coolant, though hopefully coolant doesn't corrode steel as much as plain water!

This should prompt owners to ensure that the crossmember is fully waxoyled or equivalent, inside and out.

[charles.henriques111]

Yes coolant went everywhere and given a bit more time and an old 5 litre plastic container to 'modify' it must be possible to divert the flow. It did occur to me that was the reason for the barbs on the plug. So you can leave the plug to dangle and slow up the flow a bit. Your point about the crossmember is well made. Hadn't thought about that!