Yesterday I took about a 10 min drive around my neighborhood. The car started with no problems and drove fine. About 5 minutes after I got home and turned off the car I tried to start it back up and all I got was clicks....help please

 

Hi MM,

The clicks could be the starter motor engaging but not enough power to turn the engine over or could be just the relay engaging.

I'd start by checking your battery voltage under load as it could be something as simple as a battery giving up then check your battery connections. If you can get your XJS jumped or charge the battery up check the voltage with the engine running to confirm you are charging it. If you still have a problem I'd move on to starter solenoids and the starter motor itself. I had some issues with my '85 XJS starter as that V12 motor is one big puppy to turn over.

 

So I took it in to a shop and apparently the old owner installed a alternator that is not for a Jag XJS.
Long story short I need a new alternator. What route should I go on here? A replacement Lucas,Bosch, or go with a GM?

 

But, was it working?




The main advantage of the GM is higher output.....if you select the right one, of course.

The Bosch units s used in later XJSs have the same advantage....I think they were 115 amp? Not sure...but they were higher output than the original Lucas...which was 75 amp or something like that.

Depending on what you decide on you might need a pulley change.

Johns Cars makes a GM conversion kit.

Cheers
DD

 

The alternator was not working. The mechanic said it had the serpentine style belt and its belts were crossed over some other belts. Long story short I have to take out that alternator and put in the right one. What alternator would you recommend(keeping in mind I don't have unlimited funds haha)