My low mileage (30k) XK8 which I've owned from new has an annoying intermittent fault where after a long or short run and switch off it wont restart. Leave it 20 - 30 mins and it restarts and runs fine. Its had a new fuel pump a couple of years ago (my model only has one pump). It cranks well but wont fire. Its not old fuel.
Any ideas as to what cause may be? Any similar issues encountered by anyone?
Very frustrating and stops me using it. Help please.............

 

DO you have an OBDII reader ? Is there no "check engine light" ? Sounds like the old "fuel pump died from sitting". Can you check the fuel pressure ?

 

An ODB scan might provide a clue, or it might not with older cars, so you need to try and narrow the problem down. Perhaps the easiest first check would be to check a spark plug after a failed start. If the plug is damp or smells of fuel, then it's probably an ignition problem. If it's dry you could remove the intake pipework from the top of the throttle body and spray in a little fuel whilst it's turning over. If it fires for a second or two, then it's a fuelling problem. Once you narrow down the issue, you can perhaps make more progress.

Richard

 

Thanks Jim, Seems like an electrical issue as pump only kicking in after a few key turns or wait till engine cools down and then shes fires up as if nothing happened.
Maybe ignition switch?

 

Thanks Richard , see my response to Jim. Possibly ignition switch or intermittent wiring fault?? Thoughts?

 

Next time it happens; check the fuel pump relay.
Does it click?
Remove the relay and use a short lead between pos 3 and 5 - does the fuel pump start?
My thoughts is that you probably will find the problem either in the fuel pump it self or the relay.

 

Cheap and easy things first: check your inertia switch. It might be damp.