XK8 Starter Not Engaging

[Fat Albert]

Hi all, I went to start my car last night and when I turn the key everything behaves normally but the starter spins without engaging. Tried again this morning and the same.

The battery is putting out 12.4V and the car has been used extensively this week. I haven't tried jump-starting it yet as I lent my jump leads to someone...

I have had the traction control/ABS/Stability control warning lights come on a few times recently, does this all add up to a battery issue, or is it more likely the starter or solenoid?

Thanks

Edited by Fat Albert on Sunday 10th March 12:20

[jas xjr]

the traction control lights etc is a sign of the battery . i would charge it up and give it a go . probaby keep away from jump starting it due to power spikes

[Fat Albert]

Right, starter is engaging, it looks like I have succumbed to the fabled XK8 flooding syndrome, the fact that the oil has washed out of the bores and it therefore has no compression makes allows the engine to spin much faster and sound like it isn't engaging

I did the turn it over with full throttle thing and it coughed once but I let go too soon, so I am leaving it a little while and trying again later. Next thing is to find the spark plugs (!) and remove them to drop some oil down the bores apparently

[wolf1]

Dissconect the injector multiplugs. Crank engine over with foot to floor on accelerator for 20 seconds and then leave for a minute or so. Do that about 5 or 6 times then plug the injectors back in turn it over with no throttle input and it should start. If not rinse and repeat.

[wolf1]

Forgot to mention, check the rocker covers aren't leaking oil into the spark plug bores as this causes missfires and weak spark leading to flooding also.

[Fat Albert]

Thanks Wolf, just tried it and the engine sounded like it was going to catch, but the battery is suffering a little, so will leave it and try it again when my wife gets home and we can jump it off hers

[Fat Albert]

It worked dagnamit!

Hooked up my Wife's BMW to the battery, disconnected the injection connectors, cranked it for 20, reconnected them, full throttle and cranked again, gently lifted up it caught, I lost it, tried again and we wenveloped in a V8 roar and a lot of smoke!

took it for a run to warm it through, we'll see if it starts tomorrow....

Thanks for your help