Hi All,

My project s2 xj6 I have been slowly working on I went to start it the other day and the engine try’s to turn over when you turn the key to ignition. Normally you will hear the fuel pumps start on ignition and when you turn the key to start that is when the car will turn over.

I’m honestly not sure what happened to cause the vehicle to have this issue.

 

I am not sure whether you have the early S2 with SU pumps or the later model S2 with internal pumps in the tank. You don't normally hear the internal tank pumps so I presume you have SU pumps.
These SU pumps should start "ticking" as soon as the ignition is turned on and does not require the key to be in the start position.
Make sure there is power to the pumps with the ignition on. You can do this with a 12 volt light bulb.
IF you do have power then most likely the SU pumps have gone on strike. By the sound of it they may have been sitting dry for some time and the diaphragm has gone hard.
In that case you will need to get fuel into the pump and let it sit for some days.
Also check the fuel pump points as they can corrode.
If all else fails I suggest you get rid of the SU pumps and replace them with modern electronic pointless pumps.
I have done this on my MK1 and MK2 as well as a S2XJ6 which I recently sold to a friend (just to reduce the number of Jaguars hanging around my place)
Cheers

 

It is strange though the starter kicks in as soon as I put it on ignition normally this won't happen until I turn the key to start.
Mine is the later model with the internal fuel pumps I replaced them about 3 years ago but I haven't started the car for about 6 months. I have tried applying 12v to the pumps so you are probably right they may have seized, they are just a real pain to remove.

 

Mikey,

Old age I reckon.

Sounds like the electrical section of the Ignition Switch is overdue for a service.

See the attached.
Been there a few times over too many years.