Hi All!
Did a dumb thing two months ago. Getting my Cat ready for the Spring I left it idling in the driveway. I got distracted by a phone call and the Cat ran out of gas. Fresh gas was put in yet I have not been able to get it started again.
I used the posted 'no start' procedure outlined on the board to eliminate the obvious but still no luck. I did notice when I checked the fuel pressure using the Schrader value there was good pressure but no fuel dispensed.
I'm thinking it may be the Fuel Filter is clogged and needs replaced.
Just looking for some other opinions.
Your input would be appreciated. TY!

 

Do I understand correctly that air came out of the schrader valve but no fuel?

If that's the case, I would jump the contacts on the fuel pump relay and depress the schrader valve until all the air is out of the system.

 

Would it not also achieve similar results to cycle the key on and off repeatedly? The pump will only run for a few seconds and shut down if engine does not crank. this is assuming the pump is actually pumping fuel from the tank thru the filter into the rail. Some cars require oil pressure reading for ECU to signal continuous power to the pump. Not had this situation so no research on XK8.

 

Yes, you could cycle the key, but that may take a while. I don't think oil pressure is a factor.

 

RJ, I apologize for not responding sooner. I had surgery on my neck which incapacitated me the past few weeks.
The answer to your question is yes, just air and some green/yellow residue which stuck to my screwdriver I used to depress Schrader valve.
Should I expect a stream of gas fluid to be discharged when the Schrader valve is depressed?

 

You should get fuel, but if air is coming out the pump must be running. That residue should not be there. Have you cycled the ignition key multiple times?

 

BobRoy has suggested you may have checked the schrader valve for the A/C, not the one on the fuel rail. Mine is at the left front of the fuel rail, not sure if that's where yours is located.

 

I concur- there is nothing green that would come out of the fuel schrader

 

Some XK8s have the Schrader Valve on the Rear of the Right Fuel Rail:

 

Maybe there was some debris in the bottom of the fuel tank and running it to the end sucked some of it into the fuel filter. Could that cause those symptoms?

 

If you haven't done so already, I would replace the fuel filter. Running out of fuel in a fifteen year old vehicle will inevitably drag through some of the accumulated debris from the tank. It can also rapidly destroy a fuel pump ......

Cracking the fuel line at the filter will also verify delivery from the pump and give the opportunity to blow through the lines to and from the fuel rail with compressed air if there is still a concern they may be blocked.

Graham

 

Thanks to everyone for the information and suggestions.
The scharder valve I initially tested was indeed for the AC. That explained the green/yellow fluid dispensed.
Paul the diagram was very helpful. I located the correct schrader valve and tested the pressure. There was a little pressure and some gas that came out. So the next step is the fuel filter. I was underneath the back right but could not locate the fuel filter.
Would appreciate some help as to where the fuel filter is located on the 2001 XK8.

 

Tucked up infront of rear driver side wheel

 

I attached a photo of fuel filter location on my 2000 xk8.

Check basics too
Can you hear the fuel pump.
Check fuse.
While the filter is off get a piece of hose or something to divert the fuel to a bucket then turn key on to see if fuel is being pumped from the tank. If not by running out of gas you may have ruined the pump or the pick up may be plugged. In any case that means pump removal.

If you do get fuel pumping from the line it will more likely be the filter.

Some reason the photo is upside down and sometimes I'm technically challenged.

 

Finally got some time to replace the fuel filter. Before installing the new filter I blew some compressed air through the lines to make sure they were clear. Gasoline blew back at me when I sprayed the front line. I then installed the new filter and attempted to start. The engine cranked but did not fire. I checked the Schrader Value for gas flow. Once the valve was depressed gas flowed out. So I assume the fuel pump, filter and pressure were working OK.
The next step I performed was to spray starter fluid in the intake. I know this is not recommended. The engine turned over and started. It ran for a few seconds before petering out.
I'm assuming fuel is not getting the whole way through.
Any ideas of what may be stopping the fuel from getting to the intake?

 

I would still suspect the fuel pump. It might work some but not be able to provide full supply.

In-tank fuel pumps are primarily cooled by the gas flowing through them, and running dry would be a big stress on the pump.

 

If you want to know for sure you can get a fuel pressure test gauge at any major auto parts store for about $40. It will look like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Actron-CP7818.../dp/B0006V2BI2

All you have to do is screw it on to the valve you already found on the fuel rail. Someone can post the correct PSI for idle, I cant remember it exactly and I do not want to post bad info.

The fuel rail should pressurize as the fuel pump runs for a few seconds when you turn the key to what I think is the "on" position (as far as you can turn the key without the car trying to start). If you have low fuel pressure and it is not starting then it must be the pump since it sounds like you have a new filter (unless this filter was somehow bad or installed incorrectly). If the fuel pressure is good then that would be weird, maybe air in the lines. If that was the case it should have started on its own after enough attempts so I doubt it.

 

Hello All!
Just want to provide an update to my problem. Yes indeed it was the fuel pump. Had to get it replaced and now the Cat is back on the loose. With a fresh drink of premium petro she's purring like a kitten.
I was fortunate to find a local independent mechanic who install the new pump for $480 total.
I want to Thank Everyone for their diagnostic input, suggestions and the education provided to me during my ordeal.
Thanks again Everyone!

 

Congratulations shrzic0973!
I am in a similar pickle with my 2001 XK8 vert and zeroing in on the fuel pump.
I would be interested to know what brand/model of fuel pump your indie installed and whether he dropped the subframe/tank to replace or if he went in through the luggage compartment? Or horror of horrors did he cut a hole in your parcel shelf to access tank?
How long is the warranty?

Happy motoring!
Roger