XJ6 4.2 Sovereign 1986, UK here.
I am having starter issues.

When i turn the key the starter solenoid fires the kog but the starter does not turn.
When it does this the lights dim.

Only just got the car and did note it was slow to turn over but worked , for 3 days…

I have tried;

• connecting the battery neg to the engine.
• Temp joining the brown and red/white wires from the relay.
• Cleaning the earth post.
• Sapping battery, voltage 13v.

Is the starter faulty do you think ??

Many thanks for any help given.

 

It sounds like a weak battery. Can you try another battery or get a jump start?
I would be suspicious of the possibility of an alternator problem not charging the battery hence the decline over the last 3 days
The alternator should be putting out around 14 volts.

I suggest going down the weak battery/alternator route before blaming the starter

 

I like you suspected the battery.
But after changing the battery and jump start as well no change.

 

I had a problem with slow cranking on my XJ6 Series III last year and eventually traced the fault to a broken wire on the brushes of the starter motor. I posted a report on the forum about it which you might find useful if yours is the same:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...anking-282406/

 

Thanks for this.
Replacement starter motors are readily available in the UK and not too expensive.
So i think i will splash out on a new one and keep my fingers crossed.

 

Any tips for removal / refitting ??

 

It's been a few years but.....

When removing the old starter make sure to have a firm grip. If allowed to flop forward it'll break-off the oil pressure sending unit.

The mounting requires a spacer ring.....which is usually stuck to the starter. Make sure to transfer it onto the new starter.

There will be a transmission vent pipe in your way, clamped to the side of the engine. It'll need to be unclamped and shifted aside a bit. My memory is a bit foggy on this but it'll become readily apparent

Cheers
DD

 

Todays update ..............
Bit the bullet and removed the starter.
Took note of all the advice and removed the oil pressure switch first.
With the starter on the bench, eventually, i connected it to a battery and connected the red and white wire to the positve on the battery.
The starter fired into life like a good un. no problems.
So ...
Refitted the starter to the car, eventually, and connected the starter to the post on the body, drivers side (RHD).
Connected the battery negaitve to the starter mounting bolt and jumped the red and white to the positive on the battery back to clicking from the solenoid.

So.... removed the starter from the post on the body and connect it to the postive on the battery directly.
again jumped the red and white wire and.... the starter turns the engine.

So something on the post is killing the power when i go to start.

What else is on the post ?
Could the post itself be at fault ?

Many thanks for any help you can give.

 

Further update........
Refitted the battery and wires to starter relay and starter +ve to the post on drivers side, fully expecting it not to start.
And of course it started first time.

So now i am puzzled.

I think i will make a lead to join the two post together just to be sure.