XJ8 X350 starting problem

[cml]

Hello folks,

We have a problem with my father's XJ8. After stopping for petrol the car won't start for a few goes. All the rest of the time it is fine. Battery etc all fine. The engine light comes on, which the garage resets. It starts from cold in a jiffy.

The chaps at the local independent garage reckon it is a sticking valve in the tank and propose to drop the tank and change it - we have tried, tested and eliminated everything else we could think of.

Anybody else had this problem? Does the diagnosis sound right? Thanks.

C

[rswift]

I haven't had this problem, but I have had a fuel pressure issue, which meant the car would start, but then appear to have the symptoms of running out of fuel, and the engine dying.

A few things I have learnt in 2 yrs of X350 ownership is that;

a) The car is VERY senstive to battery faults, and anything other than a good full battery will throw up odd ball things, even if your battery is showing no signs of a problem, get it checked properly and eliminate it.

b) There are 3 earth points on the o/s inner wing. They appear to be made of chocolate, and again throw up odd ball faults.

Is your independent a Jaguar one who is used to dealing with the modern Jag ? This is quite a radically different machine from earlier models, and needs someone with access to a Jaguar computer to read all of the codes generated by the light. Just turning it off with a hand held scanner won't really help you solve the problem.

Dropping the tank I believe is quite a big job (£££) so I would want to eliminate a wiring/relay/electrical fault first !

[cml]

Thanks.

The Indy is pretty good and has the proper kit (I believe anyway, I'll ask) The place is full of local JEC cars which has to be a good sign. Anything is worth investigating before pulling the tank out - £££ indeed.

Will ask about battery and earths.

[rswift]

cml said:

Thanks.

The Indy is pretty good and has the proper kit (I believe anyway, I'll ask) The place is full of local JEC cars which has to be a good sign. Anything is worth investigating before pulling the tank out - £££ indeed.

Will ask about battery and earths.

Just a thought ! ... there was a recall re Brake Pipes on the XJ350, it lasts the life of the car, if you call Jaguar Customer service with your vin number they'll tell you if it has been done, if not it's a free fix.....which involves the tank out !

You might have to work hard at it, and would have to be a main dealer, but if you get a service manager on side it might cost you the price of the parts and an extra 1/2 hour labour (and the price of a pint or 2 in his/her top pocket) to renew the pump.