Just a little more help please.
Getting ready to drive my new to me 2001 with 70000 mi from S Florida to Ct
Two new rear tires, 4 wheel alignment and balance new secondary tensioners front shock bushings and fuel system cleaning with new purge valve.
Lately, down here in FL IF I shut the car off and try and restart it cranks but no fire. Wait thirty minutes or so and fires right up. Vapor lock? In a fuel injected car? Any ideas?
Thanks,
Jack

 

There was a discussion of this problem a few months ago, either here or on the XJ8 forum. I forget the details but if you do a search for vapor lock or restart it should turn up.

 

Jack,

Am I right in thinking vapour lock is unlikely to be an issue once you're back in CT?

Graham

 

It gets hot and humid there too in the Summer

 

This might be caused by a weak fuel pump. or a check valve leaking fuel back to the tank, allowing the fuel in the rail to vaporize.

After shutting the engine off, try depressing the schrader valve to release the pressure, but make sure you have a large rag to keep the fuel away from the exhaust manifold.

 

Release the pressure to avoid vapor lock?

 

Yes, just a simple trial to see if that's the problem. But don't let the fuel spray all over with a hot engine.

Another thing to try is turning the ignition on/off several times before attempting to start. The pump only runs for a couple of seconds when you first turn the key on. Doing so repeatedly will allow it to build pressure if it's weak and there is a vapor lock.

 

That makes sense, I'll try it next time

 

Another thing that might help is to keep the gas tank nearly full. On your MY, gas is pumped up to the fuel rail and then much of it recirculates back to the tank. It picks up heat as it circulates, and a full tank makes a better heat sink than an empty one.

Easier on the fuel pump too.