Hello to all. I have stored my 1999 XJ8 VDP for four years. It's been covered in our garage. I got this wild hair to bring it out and take it for a test drive. After installing a new battery, it cranks over & over, but doesn't start. I'm suspecting the 4 year old gasoline as a good place to start troubleshooting. Any other suggestions? Cheers in advance, Steve

 

I've moved your question from General Tech Help to X308 forum. Members here with the same model will be able to help. X100 forum also has information on this topic in the FAQ's at the top of the threads.

After standing for four years, "bore wash" is the obvious first possible cause of a non-start.

Graham

 

I would put the fuel pump as No.1. Check whether you have fuel pressure at the injector rail valve.

A fuel pump will almost certainly get gummed-up (or corroded) and jammed after such a long period of sitting.

 

To check the fuel pressure at the injector rail, remove the airbox top and intake tube and remove the plastic engine cover. You can now see the fuel rail and blue-colored Shrader valve cap.

With the ignition on, unscrew the cap and depress the Shrader valve to check for pressure. Have rags available to soak up any gasoline if there is pressure.

You can also check for pressure using a gauge set, with the ignition on there should be approx 40psi of fuel pressure in the fuel rail. Harbor freight has a good gauge set for just $25 bucks.

 

Thank you all, once again. I depressed the Shrader valve, and a tiny tiny amount dribbled out while the ignition was on. Not even enough to wipe up. My next decision is to convince myself to troubleshoot, or replace, the fuel pump. Not sure where it is, but I'll check voltages going to it first. Thanks to the 3 people that helped.

 

Thanks Graham. I never know where to post my questions.

 

The fuel pump is inside the fuel tank, which has to be removed for access to the pump. Getting the gas tank out is not the simplest thing to do especially as its removal is hampered by the almost impossible-to-get-to fuel lines located just forward of the rear axle.

 

Some people have success unbolting the tank and moving it with the lines still connected to gain access to the pump. Try that first, otherwise you can cut a hole in the parcel tray and save yourself a lot a time. Only downside is that it angers some jag nerds

 

I had luck removing only the right rear exhaust muffler section. Just loosen the clamp and move it aside. That created enough space to be able to access the not-so-quick disconnects directly over the top of the differential. Those disconnects can be argumentative tho. I bought three different styles of disconnect tool and none worked as the little prongs are too deeply set inside. I had to make my own tool that was longer but once I figured that out, it came apart relatively easy.

 

Thank you, again, for the suggestions. The ONLY reason I kept this car is because of the color: Amaranth. I did find a 2004 XJ8 VDP, which I think is a much better designed sedan and retired the 1999 VDP to the garage. This 1999 VDP has at least two other problems. (I think) the tensioners and chains, that were replaced 16 years ago, are the series II. I did hear some slap in the chains when initially starting it up 4 years ago. The other issue is some exhaust gas or oil floating on the top of the expansion coolant tank water. The auto has 147K miles on it. As I recall, it seemed to run fine, but the newer 2004 is much much quieter, has more power, and has vastly improved gas economy. Maybe I'll donate it after I get sick of seeing it in the garage.

 

Understand that. I upgraded my daily drive to a newer model a few years ago as the XJ8 finally started having issues after 100K and by 120K had accumulated to where it was worried that I could miss an important meeting or something. But with the exception of some wear on the leather seats, it still looks like a new car and I just couldn't bear the thought of it suffering the same fate as every other XJ8. They depreciate to almost nothing and then are bought by poor people who don't have the resources to maintain a Jaguar, but who only intend to take their chances that they will get another 25K or 30K miles before something catastrophic breaks. I just couldn't bear the thought, or worse, would hate to see it deteriorating outside in the parking lot of some nearby subsidized apartment complex. So I've been slowly fixing all the little things with the hope that maybe I could find a Jaguar enthusiast, maybe another member of the club to take it. I'd like to think mine will be one of the survivors that's gracing car shows in 50 years from now. But I have a long list of other cars, mostly sports cars, that I want and only so much space. I wish I could be like Jay Leno and keep every car I ever owned but I'm not wealthy. I'll have to break down and let it go eventually before I can make progress on the rest of my list.

 

Thanks Phil. I just hate to see this VDP go, but all good things come to an end eventually. Thanks to the other fine people for the fuel pump suggestions as well. I'll let you know what I decide to do. Cheers from the Pacific Northwest........Steve

 

My xj8 did that once - mechanic said they are bad about that - you have to clean the plugs - no big deal if someone knows what they are doing
I have to be sure my xj8 gets started every couple of weeks