1995 XJ6 150k miles. Have read through many threads and tried a few things. Car has given no trouble of late; I just changed the oil a few weeks ago. Wife drove it to work a few times (45min commute). Moved it from driveway into garage, while we were on a 7 day vacation. Maybe 10 days of it sitting since driving last and now It won't start. Wife did run the tank almost empty. It is just getting to the red zone, but the fuel light isn't yet on.

It cranks, though it sounds pretty horrid. The tach moves to 200ish so i think the Crank sensor is ok? I cleaned the connector anyway. Tested the battery it looks ok. Tried to start it while jumped to be sure. Fuel filter was changed a year or more ago, the fuel pump fuse is fine. Jumped the relay and I can hear the pump going.

I did take the airbox off and spray starting fluid into the throttle body. Still failed to start. A few times it almost started. I would have thought even if it wasn't getting gas it would have fired on the starter fluid?

My thought is the hose came off the pump. Before going through that trouble; any other ideas? Am I missing something? I assume there is enough gas in the tank...My wife has left it for me that low before. When you take off the fuel cap there is usually a lot of pressure releasing. That pressure has not built back up since taking the cap off(Might only be because the car has not run since releasing it?)

 

I suspect you have lost compression caused by Bore Wash. Run a compression test to confirm.

That's what will have induced the condition. These cars don't like that one little bit.


If that's what the problem is, the the solution is easy. Add a teaspoon of engine oil to each cylinder through the spark plug hole. Put everything back together and it should start fine.

 

That is very interesting! I will try it tomorrow...fingers crossed.

 

Brendan,

The old girl is back to life and I'm happy as Larry. You saved me a heap of trouble. We need a PSA on bore wash...boy did I learn a valuable lesson.

I owe you a pint mate...Cheers

 

Good news. Thanks for updating.