Beulahjag

Hi, to update. I now have air conditioning....wahoooo and the system doesn't appear to be loosing any more water as previous. ....with the help from Laz and the link above (thank you) I replaced the heater control valve, the radiator (see pic of the old one) (after 4 attempts at getting one delivered)..the first one was the none oil cooled - mine is oil cooled, the second was also damaged with the lugs and third was another issue in that the oil outlet connector back to the auto box wouldn't connect up...too small. I even tried the old one to restore some sanity to my by now frazzled brain and it was fine to fit. The rad dealer was initially having none of it though. I insisted they sent another so i could get back on it first thing the following morning. It duly arrived at 8am but was also damaged again in transit as one the lugs was partly snapped off.....Grrrr .. Despite this further set back i did manage to get it to fit with just enough lug remaining....just as well as I couldn't wait any longer...... The top hose was also replaced with a genuine as this was cracked on what seems like a baco-lite connector and was a leak source...see pic. I also took the opportunity to replace the cracked serpentine belt...this was a little challenge because the well known motor factor couldn't decide which would fit so gave me a couple to try....but asked me to pay for both! They were both short by 4 or more inches so i took my belt off and took it with me to compare... they didn't have any remotely near so went to Jag dealer in Norwich. Downside.... whilst paying twice what the factors were after ...upside it measured up and fitted perfectly at Jag dealer....result. I also cleared out the in-cab sensor as a precaution as upon inspection this appeared to be chocked with dust etc. Overall, whilst it went as I had expected (some struggle normal) and with the help from Laz and the link above (thank you) I had also expected that the captive bolts that hold the inner liner and under-pans in place would come off with a little force i was completely floored and took the whole lot off including the bumper. They had to be cut off carefully as they could easily melt the plastic surrounds. I ended up with some plastic repair work to the bumper where the connectors come together and the under-pan. The Inner arch liner wing clips were also replaced (main dealers at £2.50 each) as they were in bits too. I got a full set of SS screws and U clips from E bay. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/S-TYPE-JAGUAR-BELLY-PAN-UNDERTRAY-SPIRE-SPEED-CLIPS-STAINLESS-BOLTS-SCREWS-X-25/121492014899?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649. These were a great improvement once applied with some large helpings of spray grease. Its now back on road and now looking at what else i can sort in my spare time. Next job....I have a small oil leak at the bottom front of the motor....maybe a sump gasket ?

OK Thanks, Ralph that's good to know. It's still raining and my garage is full so i will have to wait till it stops. Good news today is that the new Rad arrived. The bad news is ... it looks like it was damaged (one of the lugs is snapped) in transit...the box was open Suppose another required.

An update: I ordered a new Heater Control valve as I planned and whilst inspecting most things I came across what is likely to be a future issue with the main rad. The bottom three cross bars seriously sag to the point there is a 30mm gap above in the middle (pics to follow). So new rad ordered too (see post I made earlier today). I started the gentle tear down and didn't get that far when i noticed the top hose had separated from a small feed (Plastic connector seems like bacolite material...brittle).This was probably where my slight leak was coming from. (i did think that it was the header tank but that looks to be in good order). Seems to have been dripping and most things below were covered in pink. Proceeding i need to remove the fan and to do that i need to get the front engine cover /belly pan off as the loom connector is sat behind it. The spire clips and screws that hold that cover are seized solid so i have still to deal with this. I was going to try and drill them out (when it stops raining) but suspect that i may melt the plastic surround. Has anyone got any better suggestions to removing these bolts with least fuss ? Thank you Stuart

Dear all, I have today taken delivery of a new Coolant Rad (the one with the oil connector pipes from what I presume is the auto box?) (mine is a 2.5 auto 2004) In taking off the old Rad I obviously lost some fluid so will need to replace soonest and before driving. But can anyone point me to where to locate the filler cap and how would I know how much to put in it? Thanks Stuart

Thanks again Laz. And thanks to Joe. Think we are down to the heater control valve so attempting that next. But....would it be wise to get 2nd hand and if so where from? Lots on E bay but what / how do you avoid the cheap imports that will only last 5 minute. I hear that you need a Siemens unit to be sure and one that's been tested. Any suggestions on where i try firstly please? Cheers

Thank you Laz. There is a fair bit to look at here. Let me see what i can do. Cheers Stuart

Hi all, I have warm air coming out of vents with AC on for the last few weeks. So thought id get along and get it recharged. They hooked up and took 530 out and put 800 in. The moment of truth....It was just the same with warm air out of vents. Grrrrr The mechanic believes the AC pump is ok and that there are no apparent leaks either, a point confirmed by the fact that 530 came out of it. He did say whilst looking at that the pipes at the bulk head one should be stone cold but both are quite warm. He suggested i look in the cabin at the heater control unit firstly. Any thoughts what to do where to look, please? Rgds Stuart

Dave, Im in Norwich but i haven't heard of them. Hope it goes well and look forward to hearing about it.

Thank You I have a better Idea of what im doing with it now. Next Job. Cheers Stuart

Hello, Im just about to sort the rear brake discs and pads and understand that i will have to wind in the caliper. Can anyone tell me the process to do this please? It has the electronic parking brake. Cheers Stuart

Thank you Dan. Im not in possession of a code reader so that would be my next requirement. I did also speak to a Jag guy locally and he suggested looking at the plugs on the seat.

Hi a new issue just arose...I have a light that has just appeared it is intermittent and can flash on or off and sometimes it doesn't come on at all. Any thoughts what is the cause where to look and how to deal with it?

Thanks Russ. Having an in-doors sure does make it easier. (can't get the disco in mine as it's is too tall even with the suspension lowered via the green button!) and finding a mechanic that can do the bits that are a bit more of a challenge is another relief. Cheers

Thanks Russ. Yes Im battling with doing several jobs on the Disco at the same time. Just had a chassis spruce up for the MOT that involved a few new bits and I have an abundance of other new parts like radiator/calipers/hubs to put on it...but as you will know, owning two vehicles that need constant TLC...time becomes limited! Will keep you posted.

Thanks Russ. I have spoken to a local guy who suggested that under load the bearings will behave differently. I am familiar with bearing hub issues (I also have a Land Rover discovery) and have found with that if you can hear a grumble in the disco cab you will feel it by hand turning the hub, so no question - replace. Here it seems more complex. I will try check the oil first in the diff this afternoon. I am also looking to replace the wishbone bushes as we have some play (wishbones both sides complete with second hand parts from a low mileage car if they appear good enough) . The Transmission bearings may be a bit of a bigger job to do so will start simple. Thanks for your advise. Stuart

Hi, Im hearing a rumbling noise from i believe is the rear of the car. This morning i jacked up to see if i could locate and feel the rumble suspecting one of the hub bearings. I lifted and removed both rear wheels and found that the hubs turn quite freely without any apparent grumble. I then turned to the front wheels and did the same, thinking i could be mistaken but nothing there either. Any thoughts where i should look next?