Hi. I have a 1981 Jaguar XJ6 4.2. The engine stopped turning after the winter. I replaced the starter. I hear a metallic sound when I try to start the engine.I changed the battery. I bypassed the starter relay. The engine still won't crank.

 

I have a video of the engine when it won't start

 

Couple ways to approach this without more info. If you hear the starter engaging with a turn of the key, yet the engine doesn't turn as if it's seized (not likely), then I'd pull all the spark plugs and try turning the motor either with a wrench on the crankshaft bolt, or with the starter. Watch for coolant being expelled from plug holes indicating blown head gasket (not uncommon) and hydraulic lock. Any symptoms before you put it to bed for the winter? Has it run hot?

 

I'll try pulling the spark plugs and turning the key. Before winter, it started with a touch. Give me your email address and I'll send you a video of what it looks like now.

 

Do you know what key size is needed to turn it? It looks big, but I don't have one, so I need to buy one.

 

Ah, ok the audio is more revealing. It sounds very weak, I suspect a very weak battery or a bad battery connection somewhere. Put the spark plugs back in. Investigate simple battery wiring connections and make sure the battery is taking a full charge first. What is your battery voltage at the battery posts with the ignition switched off? Also check it with the positive cable removed. Be sure first to remove and thoroughly clean the battery posts and clamps with one of those round wire brush tools available everywhere.

 

I changed the battery. I cleaned the battery connection. I applied 12V from the positive to the white and red wire in the relay. Nothing changed. The engine doesn't turn over.
the sound is as if something was blocked

 

Hi, its worth checking you have a good earth, just run a jump lead from the battery negative to the engine block. Also check the positive stud that the battery terminal and starter motor lead connect to, they can get a bit corroded. I had a similar issue with my S3 4.2 and it was a combination of both, good luck.

 

I would use a jumper cable for jump starting cars for that in case you get full starter current through it, not a small guage wire. It's worth checking battery voltage with a voltmeter on the new battery also. Rule#1 in troubleshooting, don't assume anything.

 

Ok. I check tomorrow

 

I connected the negative battery to the engine. The first attempt was the same. I also connected the positive battery to the starter. The second attempt, my jumper cables were made in China and melted, haha. I'll buy some decent jumper cables and try again. I'm typing this through a translator, sorry for any mistakes

 

Hi, the socket/ spanner size to turn the crankshaft pulley is 3/4 Whitworth, either the starter motor is jammed or you have an electrical fault to melt the cable like that . The starter motor has a permanent 12volt supply and its the momentary activation of the starter solenoid ( red /white wire) that engages the starter. Might be easier just to remove the starter and test it? Again good luck!

 

The starter is the second one installed. I think it's the cables, so I'll start by replacing that.

 

 

I think there is also a ground cable underneath, from a starter mount bolt to the frame. It's important and may be a contributor. Others may confirm this?

 

I replaced the positive and negative battery cables and the starter cable. The engine won't crank. I hear a metallic sound when starting the engine.

 

 

I know it’s a stupid question, but it has to be asked…. Are you certain it’s in park or neutral???
if so and you don’t have the big socket for crank snout, you might want to pull the starter and see if you can move flywheel with a screwdriver!

 

yes it's neutral or park.
i have big socket but there isn't mutch space.

Can you tell me more information on how exactly I should do this with a screwdriver ?

 

G'day Adi,

You're right not much room down there, I used the correct size socket and couldn't get a socket handle to fit so I ground a couple of flats on the sides of the scket and used a large open ended spanner to turn the engine.

Cheers,
Jeff.