I’m about to buy XJ40 1990 the vendor states she can’t get fuel into the tank.
Any ideas as to why not ?

 

Fuel flap lock jammed perhaps? (manual release lever in trunk)

Larry

 

 

Well if the flap is open and the cap under it, i.e.. the "real" fuel cap is able to be removed, the only thing below that could preventing the entry of a fuel pump nozzle is a small metal disc "gate" that snaps open and closed in the fuel filler neck, a few inches down the opening.

The nozzle of the fuel pump pushes this gate aside allowing the fuel to enter. If the owner isn't using a regular fuel pump to attempt the fill and open the gate but simply pouring fuel into the tank aperture, the fuel won't go in for sure!!

I think this is more than likely what is happening. If you try to fill it from a gas can you will need one with a nozzle small enough to push open that gate.

Larry

 

 

Hi Cookie13,

Is it possible the fuel tank is full but the fuel level sender is misreporting the true level?

Another possibility is a problem with the fuel tank venting/evaporative emissions system, which is known to cause the fuel tank to collapse.

The design of the fuel tank depends on the VIN of the car. If the last six digits of the VIN are 629285 or lower, the fuel pump is external, mounted above the rear subframe on the left side. The venting system attaches to a pipe on the left side of the tank (I think) and then via a pressure reducing valve to the carbon canister, then to the intake manifold via a purge valve.

If the VIN is 629286 or higher, the fuel pump is inside the tank and there is an "evaporative flange" on the top of the fuel tank that vents fuel vapors to a carbon canister via a pressure control valve (Rochester valve) and to the intake manifold via a purge valve.

Regardless of year, the fuel tank is behind the rear seat but accessed from the boot/trunk. To check on the status of the tank, you will need to remove the spare wheel/tire, the jack, and the carpeted trim panel at the front of the boot/trunk.

If you find the tank is collapsed, first, negotiate a much better purchase price! Second, determine why the tank collapsed, resolve the issue, find a good salvaged tank and install it.

Please keep us informed.

Cheers,

Don

 

 

Could well be that.

I had this problem on my XJ40 twenty years ago because the high delivery rate from some forecourt petrol pumps was greater than the tank filler neck could take - it would fill the neck and trip the petrol pump safety cutout. Solution was to rotate the pump nozzle and not squeeze the trigger more than half open to reduce the flow rate.

I haven't had this happen on later models but have noticed all my local service stations have a much reduced flow rate on their pumps in recent years and it takes a lot longer time to fill a Jaguar than it used to. Costs a lot more too but that's a different issue!

Graham