Hi guys,

Had a weird problem with the VDP (what else is new?) since I got home from vacation yesterday. Fuel gauge was showing about 1/8 tank so I went to fill it, and the car would only take about 50 cents of fuel at a time before the pump would click off as if it was full. It took me about 20 minutes, but I finally managed to get $60 into the tank. When I started up the car, the gauge only read half full. I drove into town and it came up to 3/4. As I was driving, I could notice the distinct smell of fuel coming from the car. After about 20 minutes, I noticed the range indicator on the trip computer start to drop like a rock, and the gas gauge dropped all the way back down to 1/8 full. I was so concerned that I stopped to check if I had a fuel leak. Nothing other than once again, the distinct smell. As I drove back home, the gauge rose all the way back up almost to the top (where I assumed it should have been after filling). I parked it for the night and have written this post before taking it back out today.

I just replaced the fuel pump & sender about 2 months ago, and the although a bad sender might explain the gauge issue, it doesn't explain why it didn't want to take gas. A few years ago, I had a similar problem with my Camaro where it kept puking out gas if I pumped too much at a time into the tank. I ended up replacing the charcoal canister (the strong fuel smell also being symptomatic of this) and it resolved the issue. Obviously, Jags and Camaros being different breeds, I'm not entirely sure where to start on this one.

Questions/comments/concerns/criticisms?

David

 

Ah ha ... you need to post in the X308 (1997-2003) subforum XJ XJ8 / XJR ( X308 ) - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum)

This is the subforum for the aluminium bodied XJ, the X350 (2003-2009).

 

Realized that right after I posted it. Is there any way to delete a post? I've been looking but can't figure out how..

 

Hi David,

I have moved your thread from the forum for the X350 to the forum for the X308.

Regarding your symptoms, my first thought is that it is probably not a problem with the carbon canisters themselves, but may be related to a vent line or one of the valves in the evaporative emissions system (EVAP) of which the canisters are parts. On the X308 the EVAP is fairly complex, especially if your car is equipped with On-Board Refueling Vapor Recovery (ORVR).

I think if you'll read the sections on the EVAP system in the Technical Guides they may give you a clue as to what may be going on. The 1998 guide explains the system, beginning on pdf page 47, and the 1999 guide explains any revisions that may have been made for your model year, beginning on pdf page 33.

You can download both guides at the links below, courtesy of our forum member Gus:

1998 Technical Guide & New Model Introduction:
http://www.jagrepair.com/images/Elec...jm18151280.pdf

1999 Technical Guide & New Model Introduction:
http://www.jagrepair.com/images/Elec...jm18151890.pdf

Cheers,

Don

 

Awesome. Thanks Don. I'll check it out. I feel like this is going to be longer than a Saturday afternoon adventure. Appreciate your help

 

Alright so here's where I'm at with it:

I've determined that the sending unit is working properly, but something is not allowing the tank to fill more than half way. Based on the information kindly provided by Don, I have a strong suspicion that the float valve is closing prematurely and activating the shutoff valve before the tank is full. Trying to determine how to test this theory.