The XJ8 wont start again!

[ChampagneCharlie]

Well after having all the problems before Christmas with the Jag not starting I took it to the mechanic who said that it was a nikasil problem (which I doubt as the blow by test said 25 I also had the throttle body changed) it has since run for 3 months without a murmur. Went to it today and it turns over but no firing, when I let the engine turn over and over , there was a 'bump' from the mid/back of the car 3 times. I would normally think this was misfiring but as far as I could tell it hadn't fired at all. I could smell petrol at the back of the car so I doubt it was starved of fuel. PLEASE HELP!!!

[ChampagneCharlie]

Thanks Steve! Going to try it now (it's been standing over night now and I have had the battery on charge for a couple of hours) Will let you know the results (if any).
The mechanic who got it started last time said that it had low compression on one cylider and that he thought the valves were stuck, surely with only one or even two pots down it would have fired?

[ChampagneCharlie]

Haven't got it started yet but it never started well when it was hot anyway. Is this a clue?

[ChampagneCharlie]

I daren't admit this!!! I don't know how to find the spark plugs. Just had a look and they're not obvious. Must be a girl thing?

[ChampagneCharlie]

Thanks JS - I've been out all day today so didn't get chance to look at it. Good advice - I'll try to use it. Will let you know. CC

[ChampagneCharlie]

Well, it's running now. Needed the plugs taking out several times and oil dropping into the barrels, but got there in the end (I'm afraid to say I got the Jag Dealers to do it for me).

[ChampagneCharlie]

They want another 150 quids to diagnose the problem. I think it may be time to say bye bye and think again. Sad to say it though 'cos basically I like the car but this model has too many problems. Anyone got 2,250 pounds?

[ChampagneCharlie]

Yes, I had thought about that, they seem to have some good feedback and like you say for a couple of thousand you can get a pretty good one! I am bitten by the v8 bug though but you can't have everything.

[ChampagneCharlie]

avos said:

Strange from a dealer, this is a known issue, and can be cured (or better said avoided) with an ECU software update.

The TSB is X303-52 "DIFFICULT/NON-START AND ENGINE HESITATION Model:"

with text: "Difficult/non-start from cold after moving the vehicle a short distance the previous day"

Affected XKs
Vin 031303 - 042775, and A00083 - A11050

Andre.

Above of course assuming that the compression test turns out good as Jaguar Steve suggested, and it was indeed caused by a short start/stop situation.

Edited by avos on Thursday 21st February 13:17

My VIN is 828146 so I don't think this is affected.
CC

[ChampagneCharlie]

Well, got the car running but the dealer says that trying the 'foot to the floor' as he suggested, caused a back fire which has melted the air filter and part of the box! Great! I got it through the MOT with no problems though so she is now up for sale. I think I'll try a Camaro or Firebird instead.
Thanks for everyone's help!!