I have an XK8 parts car with only 60,000 miles. The engine is complete minus power steering pump, alternator etc. Is there a reasonably easy way to "bench test run" these engines? Thanks Jim

 

I doubt it, honestly.

The oldies, fuel in carby, water in the jackets, battery to coil, way you go.

These things are laptops on wheels, and withoiut ALL that Electrickey stuff, they be dead.

Obviously, nothing is impossible, but this would be close.

 

I agree with Grant, it is a tough proposition. You need to understand how the Jaguar XK8/XKR starts and the overcome the problems.
When you turn the key in the ignition a signal is sent to the Security Locking Control Module that the key is valid, then the fuel pump turns on for 3 to 5 seconds to charge the rack. When the engine starts turning over a signal from the Crankshaft Position Sensor tell the ECM that the engine is turning over. The ECM allows the coils to provide spark and the injectors to pulse fuel. Once the engine starts the ECM turns the fuel pump on for running. So as you can see there are a number of modules involved. If the engine has already been removed then as Grant said chances are slim you can get it to run.

 

I am still trying to figure this forum out. Much of the electronics in the trunk has been hacked away and the relays were removed from the engine compartment. The ECM compartment does not appear to have been opened. When I install a battery the system check seems to work, even telling me stuff like low washer fluid, which is funny since the car has no front body panels. I don’t know why this was parted out it seems like it was a very nice car.
When I turn the ignition key it does nothing. I need mess with the shifter to make sure the computer thinks it’s in park. The shifter is one of the things that was partially cannibalized.
Thanks, I’ll mess with it some, I bet this is a good motor. Jim

 

AHA,

So the :bench" is the actual car, that changes the situation somewhat. I was thinking on a pallet, on the ground, nowhere near its original home.

If all that is there, and messages are being displayed, there may be a chance.

 

I should have been more clear. It is till probably a long shot but it when I was responding to you it occurred to me that the park "position" switch might be the reason it wont crank. That will be a starting point ..