[x300] Weekend Maintenance Report - Thermostat & Undertray

X300
1

Listers,

A few observations on my weekend foray under the hood. My temp had
gone suddenly cold so decided the time had come for the obligatory
thermostat replacement. I had anticipated finding the thermostat in
the stuck open position but all appeared normal. I did notice that
spring pressure holding the valve closed seem very light. Replaced
with Auto Zone $15 model and all is well. Temp has returned to
normal. I was a little bit concerned by the bolts resistance to
being removed. It appears that thread locking compound had been
used. Should I have applied Loc-tite ?

Also needed to replace right side driving light (thanks for the
tips Sunny). My undertray was secured by aluminum rivets. These
were not normal pop rivets and had a black finish. I had to drill
to remove. Is this normal ? Most descriptions on this list have
indicated that plastic rivets are the norm. I was aprehensive about
taking a drill to the baby - to say the least. Per suggestion on
the list, I replaced with clip on speed nuts from my local hardware
store and #10 screws. Very practical solution. I will need to cover
their shiny heads with a bit of black paint. From a low angle front
view, the screw heads look like a gap-toothed grin.

Regards,–
XJeff 97 XJ6L
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–

2

In reply to a message from XJeff sent Wed 29 Jan 2003:

Jeff, glad to hear everything worked out.

I was curious to find out what the TSB said for the plastic vs
metal rivets, and I posted it below. Mine are definitely of the
plastic variety.

Cheers!
Sunny

Front Undertray - Loose

13-41

DATE 6/99

MODEL
1995-97 MY Sedan Range

VIN
7200001-812255

Partly Detached Mountings - Front Undertray - Repair Method

ISSUE:
On some 1995-97 MY Sedan Range vehicles, the undertray may become
partly detached from the bumper cover. If the rivet has pulled
cleanly away from one or more of the tangs on the bumper cover
moulding, the rivet can be drilled out and replaced by a spring
clip and bolt.

It is not necessary to replace the front bumper cover and undertray
assembly if the tangs are intact, even if split where a rivet has
pulled away through the edge of the material.

The same method should also be used should it be necessary to
install a new undertray to the existing bumper cover.

ACTION:
In case of a customer complaint a loose undertray on a 1995-97 MY
Sedan Range vehicle, perform the following procedure:

  1. Raise the vehicle to a convenient working height.

  2. Drill out any displaced rivet.

  3. Place a spring nut over the tip of the tang on the bumper cover.

  4. Align the undertray with the tang, and secure in place with a
    Torx-head bolt. It will be necessary to keep the spring clip from
    rotating as the bolt is tightened, and to fully align the spring
    nut to the tang.

Warning: Do not hold the spring nut with the fingers while
tightening the bolt. Rotation of the thin metal could cause
personal injury - use pliers to prevent rotation.

PARTS INFORMATION:

DESCRIPTION PART NUMBER QTY
Spring nut - 6 mm XR8 7652 10
Torx screw - 6 mm XR8 2059 10

WARRANTY INFORMATION:

FAULT R.0. TIME
CODE NUMBER DESCRIPTION ALLOWANCE
VJ DB 02 76.93.72 Replace all undertray fasteners 0.35
hrs.–
The original message included these comments:

Also needed to replace right side driving light (thanks for the
tips Sunny). My undertray was secured by aluminum rivets. These
were not normal pop rivets and had a black finish. I had to drill
to remove. Is this normal ? Most descriptions on this list have
indicated that plastic rivets are the norm. I was aprehensive about
taking a drill to the baby - to say the least. Per suggestion on
the list, I replaced with clip on speed nuts from my local hardware
store and #10 screws. Very practical solution. I will need to cover
their shiny heads with a bit of black paint. From a low angle front
view, the screw heads look like a gap-toothed grin.

–
Sunny Garofalo, '97 XJ6 Anthracite, '76 XJ12L Sable
Sherman Oaks, CA, United States
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–

3

My temp had
gone suddenly cold so decided the time had come for the obligatory
thermostat replacement.

I was a little bit concerned by the bolts resistance to
being removed. It appears that thread locking compound had been
used. Should I have applied Loc-tite ?

Don’t think this is necessary. I haven’t, and no sign of leaks problems so
far ( more than a year later ).

Also needed to replace right side driving light (thanks for the
tips Sunny). My undertray was secured by aluminum rivets. These
were not normal pop rivets and had a black finish. I had to drill
to remove. Is this normal ?

Not seen this before. Maybe the undertray has previously been loose and
someone has done their own fix. I share your feelings about reluctance to
use the drill, but sometimes it has to be done. I had to drill out the torx
screws holding the plate across the front of the car, above the radiator, in
order to replace the a/c condensor as the rest holding them in place was
stronger than some of the screw heads. Not fun!

Cheers - Jez