2008 Jaguar XJ VDP leaky fuel rail - dangerous
Repaired: 14 December 2011

Symptoms:
Gradual increase in raw fuel smell in the cabin over several weeks. In the beginning, it was most evident at startup, then seemed to disappear after a few minutes down the road. No fuel spots on the garage floor. In fact, no evidence of liquid in the engine compartment. Upon first startup of the day, with the bonnet open, the oder was most evident near the front-left quarter. I learned the fuel filter is in this area. Ah ha, I thought...

Eventually a strong fuel smell persisted while driving. Ultimately, on the way to the auto repair shop, I had to have the windows open just to vent the smell. Not good. I think I waited a bit too long to take it in for repair.

Diagnosis:
The initial shop to which I took it could not find the problem. Though a good shop, they don’t specialize in Jaguars. They checked the obvious. It wasn’t the fuel filter. They gave up - no charge.

I finally had time to take it to British Auto Specialists (Fort Worth, TX), where I normally get my maintanence performed. I dropped it off on my way to work; then caught a ride to work with a co-worker the rest of the way. British Auto called me later in the morning describing the problem. The fuel rail was leaking out of a particular area designed to prevent vibration (apparently). As the story goes (I could have some of this wrong), fuel rails on earlier models would tend to vibrate, perhaps due to the high pressure? Jeff (British Auto) referred to something as the “helicopter”. I guess the vibration of earlier models? Anyway, the new fuel rail design was supposed to prevent this (I think). The fuel leak was at the little, upside-down hat between the fuel injectors.

This is a dangerous problem to have. Jeff told tales of the fuel explosions blowing the bonnet clear off. Don’t ignore this for long (as if anyone would ignore a fuel smell).

Repair costs:
I am no mechanic. I’m a software guy, not a hardware guy - ha! So here is the damage:

Parts:
Fuel rail assembly: $755

Labor: 4 hours, $455

Total: $1210 (a must fix, but ouch!)

See PDF for pictures,
Tomcaticus

 

My condolences on the cost to repair. I'm now, after reading all of the posts about catastrophic failures on these cars, convinced that I have bought someone else's lemon, just waiting to blow the air compressor or a shock, or some other failure.
I almost can't wait to get rid of this car. I still have an '86 SAAB SPG with 313,000 on the odo, and it still runs just fine. I read some SAAB bashing on this forum the other night, which actually made be laugh, compared to all of the Jag breakdowns. I got sucked in by the mystique and great looks, but failed to add up the cost. I hope your problems are all behind you.

 

Thanks for the excellent write up about fuel rail leak

 

Thanks for the write up, good to see you averted a big problem

 

Saab was declared bankrupt last week.

 

Thanks BigCat, I hope so too. This does seem like an odd problem to have for a 3 1/2 year old car with 55,000 miles (5,000 from me). I too have two other vehicles that have basically had no problems with well over 100,000 miles. I still love the car though. For now, I'm all in.

 

I'm all in too TC. I didn't mean to sound so pessimistic. I adore the looks of the machine, and 300 or so horses from a compact V-8 is plenty for me. The car just flat turns heads. Yes Fraser, I saw that. It's always been something with the marque...acquisition by GM, being passed around by divisions within the Saab-Scania empire, and in my opinion, making some funky-looking and quirky models, and failing to embrace the V-8, which disqualified the brand from being considered a valid threat to guys like Audi, MB, Jaguar, and others. You also have to have at least 18's with 5 lug nuts, and I don't think they did that. If SAAB had produced a rear-wheel drive, 18" shod 400 horse turbo V-8 powered leather and wood two and four-door, they would still be selling cars right now. This is of course MY opinion.....

 

had my fuel rails replaced after 50k miles. Fortunately, I was covered under EasyCare.

 

You don't have a warranty? With your low mileage you should be select editioncertified or have it certified

 

I have the exact same problem on my Jaguar XK 2008 convertible.
At first start up in the morning a smell of fuel which seems to come from the left side of the engine - it gets into car via the vents.

The fuel smell is ONLY at first start up in the morning and never again.
An experienced Jaguar mechanic told me it could most likely be fuel rails. Now reading your post, it further confirms this
At the time I am writing this ( January 2019 ) that part is very hard to find.
Your post has scared the heck out of me and I feel I need to have it addressed asap. Any more input will be greatly appreciated.

thanks again
Seymoure

 

Remove fuel rails and degrease area with brake cleaner.

Apply jB Weld which might fix the leak.

Yeah I am tight but it worked for me on a transmission fluid cooler line.

 

Dear Meirion,
Thank you so very much for your kind reply and suggestion which I have copied word for work to my mechanic
I am a hotel guy and know nothing about this stuff, but your suggestion is a great help and I will sure try it before buying a fuel rail, which I can't even find
thanks again - much appreciated :-)

 

My leak is coming from the Box on the fuel rail assembly the black box on the top right looking out from the driver seat

 

Fuel pressure sensor?

Easy Fix?

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/JAGUAR-S...-/232853110695