I have read the FAQ's, but wanted to double check if there is anything special I have to do to take the battery out, charge it and reinstall. My XK8 cranks but doesn't start - a sudden affliction it developed. I am working through the list of troubleshooting tips starting with the battery!

Thanks

Kal

If it cranks then it's not your battery.

"If it cranks then it's not your battery." . . . provided that cranking load does not take battery voltage below 10v.

The battery can be safely charged in place but I like to remove a battery to charge it also. The only suggestions are the standard old stuff: Negative cable off first. Negative cable on last. Ensure that the battery vent tube is reinstalled.

Early cars may have been delivered with a radio system code requirement. That was a software option and most US cars came with it disabled.

If no codes, look to fuel pressure. Rev. Sam is an expert on that subject.

Probably a failed Fuel Pump. Check Fuel Pressure at Fuel Rail at the rear of the engine on the Right Side.

Thanks - wasn't sure it was generating enough amps so I charged it. Still cranks but doesn't start. Radio needs resetting per the FAQ.

Another vote for yes it can be the battery.

With a weakish battery, the engine will crank, but the control systems are wandering around with alzheimers.

I also had a starting problem recently.

I bought a set of fuel injector gauges @ Harbor Freight Tool on sale for $19. (They're on sale about every other month.) Sure enough, I had no fuel pressure, and my $4 multimeter (another Harbor Freight sale) said the fuse was good. I switched two relays, and still had no fuel pressure.

New fuel pump, sock filter and fuel filter solved the start problem. I'm just thankful the older XK8's used an inexpensive Ford Taurus/Mazda fuel pump (bought @ RockAuto.com for approx. $59).

Can you give a little history up to the time it failed to start? Do you know if you have fuel and spark? When you attempt to start the car now does it sound a little different?

Paul - Great schematic - will check pressure.
Gus - The only issue before this happened is I was working on fixing the rear view mirror and had left the key in the on positon in the ignition overnight (i put the tip down). That's why I thought to first recharge the battery - it actually checked in at 580 amps but the shop thought it was a good idea to try to charge it.

My mechanic gave me a couple of ideas:
1) tap the fuel tank with a rubber mallet
2) check the fuel pressure at the Schrader valve - Paul made the same recommendation and so does the PDF under the FAQ
My mechanic said if I bought the fuel pump he would install it (their guide book says 3.6 hours labor). He said this was cheaper than them buying the part.

Will keep you posted

Should be top down instead of tip

Leaving the key on overnight would be a problem. Checking the fuel pump or power to it is a good idea and I have a few links that might help. As for striking the tank with a hammer is a new one on me.

Jaguar fuel pressure testing
Jaguar fuel pump replacement xk8

Was the battery voltage & conditon checked with a battery tester?

Also, what about Gus's question about fuel and spark?

yes - The battery was charged and tested at the shop before and after charging.

I checked the fuse (#7, 20 amp in the trunk) and it is fine - I swapped it just in case and still the same. I removed and reseated the relay just in case there was a contact issue. I have been using Gus's Charlie Bennett PDF and tested the Schrader valve with the key in "on" position - no pressure. There is a whining noise in the area of that fuel nozzle. So the only possibility is the fuel pump - is the whining noise an echo from the fuel pump trying to run?

Thanks for the step by step suggestions!
Kal

Bamaman - Is that the same Taurus/Mazda for the 2000 xk8 or how did you figure out there is an equivalent to your 99 Cat?

The pump is in the trunk in the fuel tank. If the whining is in the rear of the car (the trunk) then I would say the pump is trying to do its job. If the whining is under the hood it is not related to the pump.

I watched Rev Sam's video and decided that since it involved an extended stay under the car, I would pay to get the job done. For anyone looking for an estimate at a non-dealer shop, here is what I paid (incidentally USAautoparts sells the Denso fuel pump for $139 plus the cost of the strainer).

Fuel Pump - $250
Fuel filter - $31
2 Fuel filter O-rings $17
Fuel pump strainer - $42
Fuel pump to tank seal - $ 54
Fuel pump relay - $29
Fuel pump Labor at $100/hr - $370
Fuel filter labor - $ 50

Total $ 910 plus tax

My shop also charges $120 to check out the problem and $22 shop charge so my total bill was $1030.

So is a third party mechanic a cheaper option? Definitely if he/she works on Jags - my concern was that my regular mechanic could have run into additional problems and would not necessarily have changed the o-rings and the strainer

Late to the party, but maybe helpful to someone doing later research...and not sure how prevalent it is in the XK world...but FIRST and FOREMOST would be, "Make sure you can open the boot with your key before you disconnect the battery and slam it shut."

Over in the XJ realm.....we have guys removing license plate grommets and fishing 'round with long screwdrivers to gain entry....