So as the title says my 80 (built in 79) XJ6 has a problem starting when it's raining. After all of my last problems my xj6 started being hard to start. I searched the site and checked the wiring then lastly I checked the TTS in the AM at -1. It was was giving a very hot reading. I replaced it with a good used unit. After this no hard stats at all when cold and dry.

The car starts great when under 0 Celsius and normally when hot on a cold day. However when it rains (as it does ALLOT in Vancouver in winter) it starts within 5 seconds after witting for 4-20 minutes. However after 1 hour of sitting in the rain it will take over 15. After 10 seconds of starting I stop then restart with the pedal to the floor within 5-6 seconds then it starts and runs great.

Any advice? I can't find any online.

Thanks for your help.

Adam

 

No advice from any of the Jaguar gurus? Do I just live with this and shut up?

 

Gotta begin somewhere, so......

Since the problem happens only when the car sits in the rain I'd begin by checking all relevant connections (coolant temp sensor, AFM, fuel injector resistor pack, etc) for any signs of dampness/corrosion. It's a little weird that they'd get wet but....weird things happen

Also, remove the coil wire.....the one that goes from the coil to the center of the distributor cap....and check for corrosion dampness at the ends.

Cheers
DD

 

Pedal to the floor technique is useful to clear a flooded condition. Adds more air.
The car should fire with no throttle added.


But, if it happens in moist air conditions only, it may not be primary fuel issue, but one caused by electrics. wires shorted or opened by moisture effect an enrichment


Carl

 

I rebuilt the wiring harness going to the alternator and all wires going to the coil. A number of them were cracked and ready to turn into dust. The wires going to the AFM were checked for continuity through the harness. All good. The AFM was sealed very well.

I do agree that I think it could be wiring/electrical. I'll check through the wiring again. It sure doesn't hurt to replace the old cracked wiring. Thanks....

 

When things get damp, and the HT wiring is perished or life-expired, that high voltage pulse can go anywhere but into the spark plug ! At night you might try cranking to see if you get a lightning display under the hood.

Have you also looked inside the distributor cap for any evidence of spark tracking ?

 

The distributor and cap are new but yes I have checked them and tightened the cap just a few days ago. I have done what you suggested and did find a couple shorts previously and that was what led me to rebuilding the harness. I've still got more wires to check.

It should be noted that when the car is started cold it starts in 3 or 4 seconds. Dare I say it idles perfectly 'now'. I worked hard to get rid of the rough idle while in gear and neutral. No hesitation while accelerating.

 

Well today was a very nice day with no rain and quite sunny most of the day with +12C temps. The problem has repeated itself today in the dry. If I started the car back up within 5 minutes of turning it off it will start in under 3 seconds. However over 15 minutes and it takes over 8 seconds... I can smell allot of fuel when it does start. I checked previously and found no leaks. I'll have a good look at it tomorrow. I'm thinking it could be leaking injectors or?

Other than this the car still runs and drives correctly.

Cheers
Adam

 

when you first start your jag up in the morning ... you are saying it will start right up , no problem , but then when you try to restart within a specified period of time , and the longer you wait to 'restart' , the harder it is to get it to fire-up .... ? ? ?

 

Hi PhilipE

Yes I traced it to the coolant temp sensor wiring and ecu connection. I repaired the connection and all is good now. I started by testing the temp sensor then the wiring.

 

It should be noted that the problem came back. While the coolant temp sensor was testing ok it just wasn't working correct. I picked a used one up from the wrecker for $5. Now she starts when cold in 1 second and 2 or 3 when warm or hot.

The temp sensor was only 4 moths old. I'm going to see if I can get a refund.

I also picked up a very nice used fuel pump for 17. I don't need it now and hoping Murphy's law takes care of that. Lol

I also picked up a used fuel pressure regulator. When I removed it from the junk car it sprayed a bit of fuel from the fuel rail. When I removed the one on my car it had no fuel in it and the return line was completely dry like it hadn't been sending fuel back to the tank in ages. I checked today and fuel return line was full and the rail was fully pressurized.

The car starts as good as any new car I've ever had. The starter is loud but from my research all the xj6 starters are loud.

 

good work !