I have a 2001 XK8 with a 4.0 liter that has twice had a very rough idle after starting when the engine was warm. The engine symptom is similar to a carbureted engine trying to run with the manual choke fully closed. Attempting to drive will result in a stall. Restarts result in the engine trying to catch (starter disengages), but failing to run. If I let the car remain off for about an hour, it will start normally with no problems. However, a strong fuel smell occurs from the exhaust upon restart. I haven't detected any dashboard messages or check engine light during these episodes. Any advice from those with similar experiences would be greatly appreciated.

 

Your description seems to be saying 'throttle body' but without a code being set that is hard to determine. Might check for codes stored but not displayed. That happens when a CEL requires multiple failures which may get reset through drive cycles before the required number occurs.

. . . and welcome to the forum.

 

Thanks for giving me some direction. Can the stored codes be determined by the average auto parts store with their free diagnosis or does it require a dealer to intervene? Also, will the average parts store assistant know where to access the port for hookup? This XK8 is new to me, so I'm learning as I go from owners like you. Thanks again.

 

most will be able to read the P-codes but I have had a few instances where their scanner would not work. The port is on the drivers side under the dash just behind the bonnet release. For under $20 bought a blue tooth reader and the Torque Pro app for android and read my own.

Where at in SC are you located?

 

The parts store readers will, most likely, read your stored codes but they may not be able to correctly determine what they mean. Get the actual P0xxx codes and post them back here. There is a Jaguar code list with associated repair list here: http://www.jagrepair.com/DTCforms/X1...C_OBDII_R1.pdf

 

Could be a temperature sensor misreading. Car then fuels wrongly. OBD tool with live data lets you eyeball the values. Start with cold engine (off) and see if any look wrong.

 

Do you have any suggestions for a OBD scanner for personal use. My quick check shows they are reasonably priced, but not sure if an OBD2 compliant one is needed for an older 2001 model car. I noted the coolant temperature sensor comment in your reply because I had the same thought. The temperature dipped to the mid 30s in my garage earlier this week and caused one episode of no fuel delivery and one repeat flooded condition upon start. Thanks for your help.

 

OBD II standards have been in place since the 1996 model year (US). Your car is not older, see mine below.

Here is a thread discussing readers but many have now converted to the blue tooth connected ELM327 OBD II converter. Google ELM327.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/g...oved-**-33347/