I'm trying to get my 88 XJS back on the road after sitting for several years. Here's what I've done so far.

- Had all injectors cleaned and replaced the injector hoses.
- Flushed all fuel lines.
- removed main and surge tanks and had them cleaned and renewed.
- Installed a new filter, fuel pump,and new screen on pick up tube.

I've started it about 10 times since and it ran fine each time. Now it will start every time and run great but will stumble and quit after 15-20 seconds. It doesn't seem to be ignition as I hooked a timing light to the coil lead and it stays lit until it dies. It seems to be fuel related because I can sort of keep it running with starting fluid. However, the injectors are firing and the pump stays running until the end.

Any ideas?

Submitted by mmnova4@gmail.com on Mon, 07/02/2012 - 15:01

I checked the fuel flow and it was very low. So, I removed the line from the surge tank to see if it was blocked and no gas came out of the tank. Checked the tank and it was almost empty. I thought there was plenty of gas because 1) The line always had gas and pressure when I disconnected it 2) I put 4 gallons in after I re-installed the main tank and 3) it always started.

After seeing that it was out of gas I remembered that after I put the 4 gal. in one of the tank fittings was leaking so I had to drain most of it back out to fix the leak. I guess I never put any back in after that.

So, I put gas in it and it fired right up and runs fine. It just points out to check the obvious 1st.

Submitted by SE98-32482CJ on Mon, 06/25/2012 - 18:18

Marvin pump running does not mean fuel flowing--you need to check the fuel pressure at the rail. If the car has sat for several years you needed to change the filter. Have you checked your fuel lines for damage--(both supply and return)? Is your fuel tank vent system working (although 20 sec. should not matter). Best advise was first--check your pressures when running and when it dies. Good luck