I just bought a 1984 xjs and a mark 9. They both were sitting for some time. I got the s started and let it warm up. Coolant started spraying out of the back of driver side [rail]? This part looks like the main coolant distributer that runs from front to back. Is that part available? How difficult to replace. Also there is no power to any of the lights on the passenger side. Any suggestions where to start?

Submitted by silver007@shaw.ca on Sun, 01/17/2010 - 13:07

Hi Joe,
I believe you are leaking at the driver side coolant rail. these rails .one per side have a O ring type seal at each end and are available no problem. I would take off the entire driver side rail assembly and clean all the parts. they fit into a housing at each end and have a seal at each end.. The pipes do corrode esp if they been leaking. on my old 5.3 I replaced the pipes with 3/4 inch stainless. and made em a touch longer1/4 inch or so smooth over the cut ends. and used vaseline to lube them into place etc. they never leaked.
My 83 had a drain on as George says rhs btm of rad. but it needs a piece of hose on it to drain into something, they must have got the exit piece off a tractor, the rest of the set up is beautiful.
Best Wishes, Art

Submitted by SE98-32482CJ on Sun, 01/17/2010 - 12:30

Sounds like it is taking care of the draining on its own--just kidding----remove the lower radiator hose. Some have a drain plug on the bottom of the radiator but if not obivious just pull a hose---you need to replace them anyway--the metal part you think is leaking most likely needs a seal where the pipe enters the casting..

Submitted by SE98-32482CJ on Sun, 01/17/2010 - 12:24

Sounds like it is taking care of the draining on its own--just kidding----remove the lower radiator hose. Some have a drain plug on the bottom of the radiator but if not obivious just pull a hose---you need to replace them anyway--the metal part you think is leaking most likely needs a seal where the pipe enters the casting..

Submitted by franzwasrvmari… on Sun, 01/17/2010 - 11:27

Yes, also the part that is leaking is metal. It is leaking out the back. It also looks to have a freeze out plug on the back, that is where it is leaking. Also where do I drain the coolant ? It looks to be water coming out and if it is I need to drain it.

Submitted by SE98-32482CJ on Sun, 01/17/2010 - 11:20

Joe I re-read your post--I missed the part about "just the R/H side. Please state what lamps you are talking about--is it running and head lamps too?

Submitted by SE98-32482CJ on Sun, 01/17/2010 - 10:50

Joe you should replace ALL hoses as the absolute death of the V-12 will be an overheat. All parts you need are readily avail for that model. As for the lights the normal failure is a dirty or blown fuse (s) but the main lamp switch also gets dirty (and fails) --for starters wiggle the fuses after checking them and if they are ok try gently running the switch from on to off etc a few dozen times. Good luck.

Submitted by SE98-32482CJ on Sun, 01/17/2010 - 10:45

Joe you should replace ALL hoses as the absolute death of the V-12 will be an overheat. All parts you need are readily avail for that model. As for the lights the normal failure is a dirty or blown fuse (s) but the main lamp switch also gets dirty (and fails) --for starters wiggle the fuses after checking them and if they are ok try gently running the switch from on to off etc a few dozen times. Good luck.