New XJS owner here and optimistic novice.

Trying to get this beast back on the road. Picked it up from a local scrapyard with a misfire, had the mechanic take a look at it and run a compression test before I started pouring money at it. All cylinders were between 160-180 but the plugs were fouled something awful and he found a couple vacuum leaks. With that squared away she was running 90% better. Still seemed to be some hesitation when accelerating and idle seemed a little low.

Fast forward a couple days ... 5 out of the last 10 times when starting the engine took a bit to turn over. I would have to hold the key and it would crank several seconds before starting. Most recently while attempting to start it just would not turn over. Left it for a little bit, came back tried again and it wouldn't crank at all. Now all I have is just 'click'. Any thoughts on where to start?

 

OK more info.
Test light lights up when I ground and connect to the positive terminal on the starter and have someone turn the key. Starter clunks. I don't have a voltmeter, the light does seem a bit dim but no difference if I have it hooked up to another vehicle jumping it.

 

also directly before the no start condition I had just shut the car off maybe 5 minutes before. I had been driving around town stopped by the house to grab a couple things intending to leave again and wouldn't restart.

 

You will need a DVM. There should be at least 12.8volts at the battery with the ignition off. To check voltage at starter you will need to use a meter when you turn the key the voltage will drop on the battery by upto a volt or two. You will notice the very large wiring to the starter this is because they draw lots if current. It is impossible to test with a light as the light draws current (if it is a large light can draw an amp or so) it will reduce the current available to the starter motor.

Check the battery if not I would supect the starter motor I have replaced mine twice the second time I installed a new reduction gear unit no more problems.

cheers
Warren

 

still waiting on a starter ...

ordered a gear reduction starter from Brian at fasterjags back in October received one message back from him 3 weeks later that he was waiting on a shipment of starters and then nothing.