Top tip, and good result
Discussion
Thought I may share this top tip.
My earlier thread where I was pulling my hair out because my XJ8 failed to start has been resolved.
Aparently, due to the fact that I moved it about 10 feet from the driveway, to the front of the house prior to leaving it for the night caused the engine to flood, and foul the plugs.
Then, next morning trying to start it made it worse.
I telephoned Jaguar to ask what the potential problem may be, they explained that it had probably had flooded, causing the above problems..
This apparently is a weak spot, and they have had lots and lots of V8's with this particular problem.
So, the car is spot on again.
Only after eventually getting it started by removing the fuel pump fuse, to blow air through, and then lots and lots of turning it over, replacing the fuse, and trying again and again.
Eventually, off it went, with clouds of blue unspent fuel smoke.
The plugs were dutifully changed, perfect.
Also, my car has a full jaguar history, having been serviced 3k ago.
The plugs definately had not been changed in a very long time, and the air filter was one of the dirtiest I have ever seen.....
Dave (top mechanic bloke) categorically stated that there is no way they were changed 3k ago, or not even 10k ago due to the excessive wear, and state of the filter.
Makes you think......
Anyway, sorry to go on, but it may help someone...
Mike.
My earlier thread where I was pulling my hair out because my XJ8 failed to start has been resolved.
Aparently, due to the fact that I moved it about 10 feet from the driveway, to the front of the house prior to leaving it for the night caused the engine to flood, and foul the plugs.
Then, next morning trying to start it made it worse.
I telephoned Jaguar to ask what the potential problem may be, they explained that it had probably had flooded, causing the above problems..
This apparently is a weak spot, and they have had lots and lots of V8's with this particular problem.
So, the car is spot on again.
Only after eventually getting it started by removing the fuel pump fuse, to blow air through, and then lots and lots of turning it over, replacing the fuse, and trying again and again.
Eventually, off it went, with clouds of blue unspent fuel smoke.
The plugs were dutifully changed, perfect.
Also, my car has a full jaguar history, having been serviced 3k ago.
The plugs definately had not been changed in a very long time, and the air filter was one of the dirtiest I have ever seen.....
Dave (top mechanic bloke) categorically stated that there is no way they were changed 3k ago, or not even 10k ago due to the excessive wear, and state of the filter.
Makes you think......
Anyway, sorry to go on, but it may help someone...
Mike.
Glad to hear its going again, hope the teathing problems don't put you off the cat.
Interesting point about the servicing, I am about to have a 60k major service carried out on my XJ-S, its 14 years old with 69K miles on the clock, and has been serviced regularly twice a year, mostly by the original dealer. I have decided to have a major service carried out by an independant specialist, because although the car runs like a dream, I can't be confident that all the things that should have been replaced, have been. Or am I just being cynical?
Interesting point about the servicing, I am about to have a 60k major service carried out on my XJ-S, its 14 years old with 69K miles on the clock, and has been serviced regularly twice a year, mostly by the original dealer. I have decided to have a major service carried out by an independant specialist, because although the car runs like a dream, I can't be confident that all the things that should have been replaced, have been. Or am I just being cynical?
Well,
I am sure that most services are spot on. But Dave, who has been in the trade all of his life doubted whether the plugs had been changed in at least 20k maybe more.
The air filter was absolutely choked.
I have verified that the car was serviced at a dealer, just in case it was a dodgy book, but they have a record of every service, as per the service book on their computer.
It shocked me. The plugs were dreadful, both worn and filthy, the gap was far too large, and you could see where it was virtually worn out.
I was very very surprised.
Needless to say, walnut and free coffee do not make up a good service, I will definately be going to an independent specialist.
However, I have never used the dealer in Bristol (not supposed to mention names on here I dont think) and their advice helped cure the problem, in fact I phoned the general manager to say thanks, he was most taken back!
So therefore can't vouch for the Bristol lot!!
No, it hasn't put me off, there is just something about it.
I may not have had the same view if you asked me yesterday!
Regards.
Mike.
I am sure that most services are spot on. But Dave, who has been in the trade all of his life doubted whether the plugs had been changed in at least 20k maybe more.
The air filter was absolutely choked.
I have verified that the car was serviced at a dealer, just in case it was a dodgy book, but they have a record of every service, as per the service book on their computer.
It shocked me. The plugs were dreadful, both worn and filthy, the gap was far too large, and you could see where it was virtually worn out.
I was very very surprised.
Needless to say, walnut and free coffee do not make up a good service, I will definately be going to an independent specialist.
However, I have never used the dealer in Bristol (not supposed to mention names on here I dont think) and their advice helped cure the problem, in fact I phoned the general manager to say thanks, he was most taken back!
So therefore can't vouch for the Bristol lot!!
No, it hasn't put me off, there is just something about it.
I may not have had the same view if you asked me yesterday!
Regards.
Mike.
Halfshaft said:
I have decided to have a major service carried out by an independant specialist, because although the car runs like a dream, I can't be confident that all the things that should have been replaced, have been. Or am I just being cynical?
I think you're very wise. I presume your XJ-S is a V12 and one thing mechanics (and this includes main dealers) don't like doing is changing the plugs on a V12 - I'm sure you know why.
I have often found good/concientious(sp?) mechanics show you the bits they've changed when they show you the bill.
In fact why not try asking them what the old plugs were like and tactfully asking to see them if they don't show them to you. Under the proviso - for instance - that you wondered if it was runing a bit rich.
Alternatively you could be really sneaky and put a little mark on on the plugs and air filter casing like they do on those Watchdog type programmes. Or am I being paranoid?
Fortunately I've no need to worry. The independant I use is brilliant.
Having owned a TVR before the XKR I would use an independent specialist every time - when the warranty has expired. Once you've found a good one I think they care far more about the quality of the work they do because their reputation is at stake with every job.
I am sure there are exceptions and there are some good dealers around but the dealer hourly rates are often double that of an independent. The key is to ask around other owners and find yourself a good one - cos there an independent cowboys as well as good ones!
I am sure there are exceptions and there are some good dealers around but the dealer hourly rates are often double that of an independent. The key is to ask around other owners and find yourself a good one - cos there an independent cowboys as well as good ones!
silverback mike said:
Aparently, due to the fact that I moved it about 10 feet from the driveway, to the front of the house prior to leaving it for the night caused the engine to flood, and foul the plugs.
My XJ8 used to do this.
After a little chat with the dealer, it is apparently a common problem. The recommended solution is that once started, don't switch the car off until it is fully warmed up.
My advice is to just use the car as you want. When it doesn't start on the second turn of the ignition, use an old tip from my days with a tatty old 1.1L Fiesta - floor the throttle and then start it.
Works every time. Big cough of unburnt fuel out the back though.
Yup, top tip: happens to TVRs as well.
The RAC guy that got me going said he sees it all the time in winter with fuel injection cars, and even quoted your exact example of people only starting the car to move a few feet out of the garage to wash it.
The RAC guy that got me going said he sees it all the time in winter with fuel injection cars, and even quoted your exact example of people only starting the car to move a few feet out of the garage to wash it.
I also have this problem on a number of occassions, thought every time it is predictable - i.e. I have shunted the car around the drive and tunred it off too soon by mistake.
The old floor it and start aain trick tends not to work in my expereince - it really is a severe flood - the RAC bloke flatly refused to belive it was flooded seconjd time it happened as there was absolutely zero compression
Taking the fuell pump fuse out is helpful - but beware thare are two, and whislt i have experimented with removing one or both i can't say which is better at clearing the cylinders. From memory you need to put the main one back in to start the car but the auxilary one can stay out(which suprised me first time i did it) Other think is to get the airbox wide open and if possible conect the batery up to a donar as it is rarely a quick fix
Still happens abut twice a year and is a real heartsink momemt when it does, but as a say always my fault
fantastic cars though hae done 1000 miles in one day and could have turned around and done it again
James
The old floor it and start aain trick tends not to work in my expereince - it really is a severe flood - the RAC bloke flatly refused to belive it was flooded seconjd time it happened as there was absolutely zero compression
Taking the fuell pump fuse out is helpful - but beware thare are two, and whislt i have experimented with removing one or both i can't say which is better at clearing the cylinders. From memory you need to put the main one back in to start the car but the auxilary one can stay out(which suprised me first time i did it) Other think is to get the airbox wide open and if possible conect the batery up to a donar as it is rarely a quick fix
Still happens abut twice a year and is a real heartsink momemt when it does, but as a say always my fault
fantastic cars though hae done 1000 miles in one day and could have turned around and done it again
James
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