While stopped at an intersection, the engine started to chug and then suddenly stalled. Would not restart. Has gas, oil, recently passed emissions test, no prior problems. Was running smooth just prior. Not a battery issue. Could this be something with the fuel filter, fuel pump, fuel line, inertia switch, computer glitch? Any ideas? Please advise. Thanks.

 

It could be many things and a read of the fault codes would probably prove very helpful but, if I were to take a guess based on 30 years of ownership and assuming that you have an XK8 rather than an XKR, I would say that your fuel pump has failed. Get someone to turn on the ignition with your head in the boot and see if you can hear a strong and steady whirring noise.

Richard

 

It could also be an issue with the engine control unit, which had a leaking capacitors issue that damaged the circuit board. But the first thing to do is test the fuel pump.

 

If you determine that the fuel pump is working (making a “hum” when the key is turned on) then see if the fuel is reaching the fuel rail / injectors. Cover the schrader (sp?) valve with a cloth / shop towel before depressing it to avoid getting a face full of gasoline spray.

if pump is working and yet no fuel at the fuel rail, then the fuel filter or the fuel line is clogged.

Z

PS / have you tried to start the car since the incident ?

 

How recently had you purchased fuel? Fuel contaminated with water can cause this sudden rough-running, stalling and no-start. The water gets intermixed with the fuel as it is pumped out of the underground tank, but over the course of hours or a day the water settles to the bottom of your fuel tank, where it is inhaled by the fuel pump, clogging the filter and fuel injectors. If you had purchased fuel within the past day or two, I would suspect bad fuel.

Cheers,

Don

 

Thanks to all who have replied. Based on the description of the issue, mechanic also suspects fuel line problem as all mentioned. Last fuel purchase was probably over a month ago and tank was at about 1/4 full when incident occurred. Maybe the fuel was a contributor?