Hi there. My husband has a beloved 1989 XJS 5.3 which isn't running properly and I would like to fund some repairs on it for his birthday. Basically the car starts up OK but then cuts out after a few miles and is extremely difficult to get going again. I had it taken to a recommended garage locally and the mechanic there said he thinks the issue is the fuel injection system but his colleague who had the expertise in XJSs has been retired for over 5 years and he doesnt have the expertise to work on it himself. So now I'm trying to find a garage with XJS expertise that I can get the car moved to and, hopefully, repaired. Can anyone recommend one please? We're based in North West England but would be happy to travel to the right garage. Many thanks.

 

I would advise you to contact the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club, based near Bristol. they would be able to recommend a specialist garage, not necessarily in your area, but as close as one exists. Do NOT under any circumstances let a garage who do not know REALLY what they are doing work on the car.

https://jec.org.uk/contact

They are very helpful people and will be happy to help.

 

Welcome to the Forums.

I 2nd and 3rd Greg on that caution.

Being a 1989, and that being a change year for the V12.

Simply count the HT (Spark Plug Type) leads.

13 is a Lucas Ignition system
14 is a Marelli system.

VERY important to know this, as faults and cues are worlds apart, and again, the unknown "mechanic" could/will make things worse is a heartbeat.

BUT

Both systems are SIMPLE, like the rest of the car, just a different angle of attack.

No idea up there, but Downunder, An Owner With Some Basic Knowledge of Their Car is not easily led astray.

Good luck.

 

Thanks so much for the helpful guidance received so far!

 

Piling on with the above endorsements.
Any money spent having the car transported to a knowledgeable mechanic is well worth it. Any mechanic not thoroughly familiar with these cars can do far more harm than good that will only cost more to fix.
Your issues could be as simple as needing new fuel filters (main and sock filter in the sump tank); draining and cleaning the tanks; or a weak fuel pump. On the other hand it may be something more complicated involving the CPU. If its a Marelli car that is its own set of trouble shooting checks.
If the car has never had the fuel rail hoses replaced this simply must be done. Old hoses can crack spewing fuel around the distributor creating a fire hazard.
If its a Lucas car servicing the distributor (lubricating the center shaft) and replacing the vacuum advance (rubber diaphram old and brittle) are in order.
New spark plug wires are also a good idea due to age.
Best of luck.