I parked up my 2001 X308 yesterday- all fine. I started it and left it running for about 30s and then turned it off (was going to go somewhere and then didn't)

Get to it in the evening and try to turn the engine and it cranks and doesn't turn, Then tried the trick of turning the key to let the fuel pumps go without actually engaging the engine and nothing. Then tried sticking it in neutral and doing again and nothing but the computer did say TRAC and ASC not available.

Any ideas on what it could be / what I can do to get her running again? I am a hopeless layperson so anything would be greatly appreciated!

 

Look up borewash...in essence motor could have gotten too much fuel at cold idle and when you shut it off the oil was washed off the rings and cylinder walls.

 

So probably a case of removing the spark plugs and then trying to turn the engine?

 

I guess you need to explain what you mean by "not turning." If it cranks, the starter is turning the engine, right? It is just not starting, right? Or is the engine frozen (not likely)?

Just need to remove a couple of spark plugs to insert oil to get some compression in a couple of cylinders; once it starts, the other cylinders will lubricate (providing compression).

'nuther trick: floor the gas pedal and hold it on the floor, then crank the engine. Flooring the accelerator stops gas flow -- gas flow washes the oil off the cylinder walls, creating the bore wash -- lubrication builds, compression returns. Then let up the gas pedal and it may start. Simple enough. But you need gas, ignition, and compression. . .

 

I did that to my previous X308 once & the trick (mentioned in the handbook I think) of flooring it cranking it over worked eventually. It must have churned for 2 mins before it started to fire. Don't churn it over for more than 30secs at a time though & give the starter chance to cool before doing it again (30 secs start, 30 secs cool is fine). You'll think it'll never go as it takes so long but then you'll hear a cough & it start to splutter before starting on a few cylinders & clearing up once running.

 

does it sound flat

does it have injector pulse

 

I have removed the spark plugs, given them a wipe down, put them back in and tried to get the engine going. It nearly went and then the trip computer faded out (presumably the battery going flat). I have since plugged the battery in and waiting for it to charge up. Any suggestions on what to do next? I have seen that some recommend pouring a teaspoon of oil down the cylinders; which oil is the best to use? 2001 XJ8.

I am completely new to doing all this so would be grateful for any suggestions!

 

After you charge up your battery, I *highly suggest* having another running vehicle with no loads on and the engine around 2k RPM’s with jumper cables attached to both vehicles. As suggested by another member, foot to floor the whole time with the gas pedal and crank the engine for 20 seconds. Then key off for 20 seconds. Floor the gas pedal again and crank for 20 seconds. You’re trying to build heat in the cylinders so the rings will expand and seal to the bores. Do this 5-6 times (sometimes more) then with foot off the gas pedal, try to start the engine.

 

I've just had another crack, did it for 6 times as you recommended and on the 7th time it whispered a sign of life and then went back to cranking again. Do you think I just need to keep cranking?

Thank you for your words of wisdom so far!

 

On the 7th time, I would just keep cranking it for about 20 seconds with your foot off the gas pedal. If it still won’t start, do the restart process over again. I still highly suggest the jumpstart from another vehicle as well to help get maximum starter speed.

 

I wouldn't keep on with that procedure if it's not working. Remove the plugs from one bank and put about 5 ml engine oil in each cylinder, place a rag over the plug holes, turn the engine over a few seconds, replace the plugs and try to start. If that doesn't work there may be a different problem.

 

Not to take this in multiple directions but, do you have any knowledge on the condition of the secondary timing chain tensioners?

 

I do not have any knowledge of the secondary timing tensioners but from what I've been told whenever its in the garage, it has the upgraded tensioners as its from 2001?

 

I have also heard that it can be beneficial removing the fuel injector spark plug and then plugging it back in when the engine kicks in; is this something that has been done before? Would anyone recommend it?

 

More and more it is beginning to sound like a failed fuel pump . . . Surely, nearby, in London, there is a garage that is familiar with old Jaguars . . . (or a neighbor . . .!). You need help on scene.

 

Have you checked for fuel pressure at the Schreader valve on the fuel rail?

 

If you're thinking fuel pump, pull the relay/s in the boot (two on supercharged cars) and bridge the contacts, you'll hear the pump in the tank if it's working.