I just read 'Kirbys' description of the process and I'm confused -

I don't have my shop manual yet - so I don't have any pictures to refer to - and KIRBY is all about 'Narative' description on how to do things - which is fine if you are familiar with a 6.0L V12

I however am not - and I'd rather not guess - and yes I know if Kirbys book had pictures it would be at least 2000 pages ...... yikes

I removed about 24oz of coolant from the radiator - by removing the main radiator fill cap and by using a turkey baster and hose - just sucked the stuff up and out.

Then I added my 16oz of water wetter super coolant -

car was nose up to aid in the filling process - then I topped up with remainder of the coolant which only went in when the overflow tank (on the opposite side of the car) cap was removed.

Now I'm pretty sure my coolant levels are good -

How much coolant should be in the overflow tank if the engine is cold ?

How do I bleed the system effectively to ensure no air in it - some pics of the right valves/hoses etc would be ideal ... or at least perhaps a point in the right direction to a web page with V12 engine pictures and what's where etc .....

cheers all

James
1995 XJS 6.0L V12

Submitted by johnhasen@aol.com on Wed, 07/13/2005 - 18:10

Hi James,
The coolant tank on the left fender is not an overflow tank, it is part of the main coolant system. You should see a hose leading from the filler to this tank going toward the rear of the car and then going inside the fender well. This line is the overflow line and leads to a tank located in a compartment to the rear of your left front wheel. As the coolant heats up and expands it will flow into the tank behind the left wheel. Then as the coolant cools after engine shutdown the coolant will be sucked back out of that tank and back into the main system. With a cold engine the tank you are calling the overflow tank should have coolant level just below the filler neck seal surface. Also the coolant level should be about 2 or 3 inches below the top of the main fill cap. After filling your system it is a good idea to turn the climate temperature control to high temp. and the fan control to defrost and let the engine run at about 2500 rpm for a while to drive any air out of the heater system. Hope this helps.
Jack Hasen
1989 XJ-S Convertible