I was stranded with a possible starter bad, so I had my 1999 XK8 Convertible towed to my home and ordered a starter. While waiting for the starter to be shipped, I troubleshot the other possible causes and they all checked out good. I disconnected the battery and removed the bad starter which was confirmed as the shaft and ball bearings fell out when removing the old starter. I installed the new starter to the VERY GREAT POST ASSISTANCE FROM "TheBrightKnight" ESPECIALLY to remove the top bolt. I can not thank him enough!!!!! I reconnected the battery and turned the key. Now it turns over and sounds like normal but will not fire up. It acts as if it is not getting any fuel although the fuel tank is half full! Any ideas? Do I have to set some kind of RESET or anything else?? Any suggestions or assistance would be appreciated. The car was running fine prior to the starter going out! (:-((

 

I think there is a tilt sensor that shuts off the fuel. Might have tripped when it was towed, not sure but I believe it's behind the driver footwell trim on the left.

I'm sure someone else will have more info.

 

As if it is not getting any fuel ? Check carefully a more likely cause would be bore wash as the pumps primed the engine but the starter never turned it.

 

+1 on bore wash. Gus's web page has everything you need to know about getting her started again. How to reset the tilt sensor too. Without the experts on this site, I would be walking a lot more then I would like too.
JagRepair.com - Jaguar Repair Information Resource

 

FULTON, Okay I am going to try to look for the tilt sensor and reset it and if that does nor work, I will take your advice on the "bore wash" solution. Wish me GOOD LUCK....!

 

FYI update, I was able to have a friend of mine check the fuel pressure, which resulted in discovering that there is NO FUEL PRESSURE, due to the fuel pump malfunctioning coincidentally at the same time or subsequently when the starter failed. Since the fuel pump is in the fuel tank and requires pulling the fuel tank to replace the pump, I have accepted, that task is a little over my head and therefore towed my XK8 to my Jaguar Mechanic this morning. He confirmed the defective fuel pump and is replacing it to the tune of about $450.00 - $550.00 parts and labor and will be ready tomorrow afternoon. I am always grateful for the advice I receive here and just wanted to post this update in case any one may encounter a similar experience in the future. At least I saved a substantial amount of $$$ by replacing the starter myself and am proud I accomplished that task, but a fuel tank removal is to ambitious for me to tackle. hahahahahaha I look forward to getting my car back in driving condition tomorrow to enjoy once again!!! PAUL E

 

$450 to $550 is very reasonable for that job.

 

Yes Paul, I thought it was reasonable...but I am grateful to hear from someone like you with the knowledge and experience confirming the price. My mechanic promised me even with any hic-cups it would not be more than $625.00, so I feel comfortable with that. I understand that this job is a lot of work and many hours of labor with the car up on the rack to drop the fuel tank...better him than me. Thanks PAUL , and by the way, GREAT NAME YOU HAVE! LOL Regards, PAUL E

 

It wouldn't be that hard if the Fuel Tank was under the car and could be dropped down for access.

However, the Tank is In the Trunk (Boot) and the Fuel Line Connections under the car are very difficult to access.

 

I picked up my car today and it starts up and runs fantastic once again...My mechanic showed me the defective fuel pump and we sawed it open to expose the melted plastic insides, that caused it to fail. Except for the expense, I am happy and hopefully good for another 100,000 miles of trouble free enjoyment, at least in regards to the starter and fuel pump. YES the fuel tank would have been a big deal and hassle to remove...by the way the total charge was $ 674.24...a bit more than estimated, but it is running much better than before so I have a smile on my face. After looking back on the whole experience, my theory is that the fuel pump was failing causing the engine to run rough, which caused the old starter to struggle and fail, which had a part in causing the fuel pump to fail completely. IRONY at it's best ! PE (:-))