'90 XJS Won't Start

New starter and relay installed...working like a charm ;-)

Diagnostics said needs new starter...going with a modern gear reduction type...

OK, on its way to the tech...

I have been following your problem and I have a suggestion. I have not worked with this problem but have spent 35 years troubleshooting electrical problems. If it started after you took the connector apart and cleaned it is possible that you have a broken or loose wire in that area. By moving the wires around you made contact then when the engine ran and the movement could have broke the connection again I would try just moving the wires in that area and see what happens.
Good luck

Thanks to all for the help, my wife said "well it still looks good just sitting in the driveway". Hahaha, I am ready to drive it after it being at the shop for two months! ;-)

George,

Have a look at the starters offered at http://britishstarters.com/

I've known a number of people who used these starters and this company (in which I have absolutely no financial or other interest) and all have been happy with both the company and the product.

These are very popular for replacing the original Lucas starters in Rolls-Royce and Bentley motorcars.

George,

Based on everything you have said so far, I'm inclined to agree with you on the starter and possible dead spots. I will also vote for the gear reduction starter. In addition to all you mentioned, they are much easier on the battery. Permanent magnet motors use quite a bit less current to do the same job. Smaller, lighter and easier to work around are just bonuses.

My two cents......

Well, partly my fault since it occasionally has done this in the past, but I should have known better...should have left it. If it is the starter that is 4-5 hours just to do the job since the RH exhaust has to come off yet again...

I am more and more suspecting a dead spot on the starter since it will randomly start and I can hear the relay trying...

Are gear reduction starters the way to go if that is it? I note that in addition to turning the engine over faster they are much smaller and lighter.

Thanks.

George if it was just out for the trans I suspect a poor connection at the starter. With the car in neutral and the key on or off put a good 12 volt source (+) to the connector we discussed. That way you bypass the ignition switch and the relay. Not sure I would have told you it started hard after I just had it all apart--and sure would not have let you leave!

I can actually hear the starter relay clicking in, but nothing happens...a firm click followed by a softer one. And whoa, that "big pipe" is hot after the Big Cat does run for a few minutes ;-) A little history also: I just picked the car up from the shop where I had a five speed manual installed, which looks and works great. The tech mentioned that when he cranked to get it cleaned up it gave him a hard time. I felt that it was probably the relay and advised that I would check it when I got home. The conversion did obviously involve removal and reinstall action of the starter and I probably should have just put a new one on then while everything was out. But except for the occasional need to clean the relays it started like a champ. Just interesting that it works sometimes and not others. Once it starts turning all systems works they should and it fires right up.

OK, epic fail on the shut down and restart...nada. New relay coming in on Monday. If that doesn't do it perhaps it is time for a starter replacement. Any reccos's on a HD one? I see several advertised for less than $200.

Thanks.

TAA DAA!

Hey, found the snap connection, cleaned it and reconnected. Recleaned and adjusted the starter relay. Fired right up. Will run a few, shut down and try again. Fingers crossed ;-)

George I have a few mins. this AM. Call me on the tech line and I will walk you to it. It is simple and as I said the usual culprit.

George you can stand where you were when messing with your starter relay and do what I suggested. It is on top of the engine and well within arm reach.

OK, I know that wire. Will see if I can follow it w/o having the car on a lift. If not, AAA will get it back to my tech :-/ Thanks.

George follow the white wire w/ red stripe from the starter relay to the rear of the engine. You will find the connector. I am not sure of the correct name for the connector but one end is male and the other female and the entire connection is in fitted plastic which "snaps" together as you push it in. I have seen starter issues many times that traced to this connection. Just needs cleaning.

Dumb question, but what is a snap connector? The only wires that I see connect to the starter relay via push pin type connection. About six of them, none of any real size. Thanks.

George check the snap connector from the starter relay to the starter. It is in the bundle of wires behind the right air pipe (big one) where the large bundle of wires come together. This is a connection used during assembly and do get dirty and loose--bet that is the solution!

Plenty of power to everything else. Man, I hate to call AAA... Monday the new relay is here...will install and see before putting it on the tow truck...

Sounds like a bad starter or bad battery. If you know the battery is good and/or you can't jump it I would think a new starter is in order.