I recently bought a 1983 Jaguar XJ 6 for $1300, the guy claimed that the starter motor had gone out and needed to be replaced, among other minor issues. I purchased a new starter and installed it by myself, I reused the original starter cable and starter relay wire for the new starter. When I turned the key, all the electronics turned on but the car would not turn over, and only one click came from the starter solenoid. In an effort to diagnose the issue I took the battery to get tested and it had a bad cell, so I purchased a new battery. After I installed the new battery, the same issue occurred. Electronics would turn on and the starter solenoid would click once. A buddy of mine suggested that the main bearings had seized meaning the engine would be a dud and I’m out $1300 + $300 in parts. I’m hoping to get some better insight, or suggestions, before I decide to scrap the car! Thank you in advance!

 

This might help:

Engine Will Not Crank Checklist

Some won't apply to your situation but pay particular attention to cleaning of connections, cables, and ground strap

Seized bearings? Possible, yes, by a rarity on these engines unless they've been seriously abused. You can remove the spark plugs and try turning the engine over manually with a breaker bat and socket (1-5/16" as I recall) on the big bolt at the crankshaft pulley/balancer. Not especially easy on this model, due to awkward access, but should be doable.

Cheers
DD

 

To make you feel a little better about it... Try touching the red/white wire that leads to the starter solenoid (grey box on the RHS of the firewall) to the battery positive. That's the direct lead to your newly installed starter, and should make it turn over at least........
David
shop.EverydayXJ.com

 

Second on the starter relay. With age they'll still click but they won't complete the circuit to the starter solenoid because the contacts inside are carboned up. They can be opened up and the contacts cleaned.