Hi There.

I recently topped up the coolant on my 1998 xj8, started the car to check and all was fine [always starts first time]. Then tried again the next morning and nothing at all. No spark or turnover just a spinning starter motor. Any ideas?
One other thing, the keys were dropped on the floor when the failed start was tired an the alarm went off briefly, no security alert showing however.

 

Jammed starter motor 'bendix' assembly.

 

Maybe bore wash ? The early models were especially prone to this. Try a search. There have been many instances of this, usually after a short start up and shut down.

 

Jim probably has it nailed.

To clarify- have you removed a coil to confirm there is no spark, or are you just guessing?

'Starter motor just spinning'- so the serpentine belt is not moving?

 

That sound like the starter motor is spinning but the engine is not turning over. OP needs to clarify.

 

Many thanks for your input everyone. The car is being taken to get sorted so we'll be back on the road soon : )

 

Ok, but let us know what they find. It is one way we learn.