A few times my 2000 Jaguar XK8 will run irregularly or simply die when starting from a cold state; rpms fluctuates before dropping to zero. The acs light might or might not flash.

Seems like this could be a fuel pump issue? There are no error codes (checked at jag dealer). The dealer thought it was the fuel pump.

Any cheap things to try before pulling out the tank? Also, will generic fuel pumps work or should I get a brand name one from ebay for $150 or so if it's defective?

 

Check and clean the mass air sensor and check for air leaks between the sensor assembly and throttle body.

 

Check: https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...igh-rpm-84948/

 

Cleaned sensor, did not seem to make a difference, will try to do a sensor reset next

 

Reset sensor by touching negative battery wire to positive. Looking good so far, we'll see if it keeps working

 

Ok, it's getting worse. Engine died when stopping at a stop sign. Note that I never had a HIGH rpm problem. Fuel pump?

 

Do you have any codes? It could be a fuel pump but will not know until you check for pressure.

 

No codes, pressure check next step. What gauge will work and where can I get it? Called O reilley and they had an electronic one???

 

Use this link. http://www.jagrepair.com/FuelPressureTestingxk8.htm

 

That only shows a gauge but I don't see it being sold, will the one from Harbor Freight work perhaps? Fuel Pressure Tester & Fuel Injection Pump Tester

 

Yes that one will work just fine. I do not sell items just give free advice.

 

Car is now running a bit better, could cleaning the throttle body be a good next step?

 

What was the problem?

 

Not sure, could have been the car re-learned some tricks after I did a battery reset. It's still far from a 100% though and the ASC / TRAC signals go on all the time.

Air filter replacement and throttle body clean could help?

 

Ok, I pulled some codes off the car when it was giving an ABS TRAC amber error:

P0300
P1316
P1111

Searching around the forums, I seem to have the crappy tensioners: VIN SAJJA42C2YNA02688, but I need to double check this since the engine was replaced after 73k miles.

So, this could be a classical chain tensioner problem, question is, is it self fixable by a novice (me) and if not, how cheap can I get the repair? There is a kit for $300, then I guess 2 hours labor on top of that = $500 min?

Cheers!