Being new to older Jag ownership, I would like to call upon all of the cumulative years of wisdom out there. First, I guess I should ask..."What is the proper/recommended procedure for starting am '86 XJ6 Sovereign?"
Most times, I am successful when I first allow the gauges to 'light-up' for a few seconds, before turning the key to start, and without depressing the gas pedal. I think I read in one of the posts that just because the gauges 'light-up', doesn't mean the fuel pumps are pumping. There are times, however, that if it doesn't start the first time, I sometimes play H-E-double-toothpicks trying to get it started. I eventually get it going by inconsistent combinations of switching tanks, different ignition sequence, gas pedal, swearing techniques.
Then there are the times when she randomly shuts-down when we come to a stop and she shuts-down when we attempt to start/accelerate...usually at a stop light/sign, with traffic behind us, or at a railroad crossing.
I haven't really noticed if these problems are abient temperature-related...we're in the Houston area...we only have two basic seasons ÔÇö Summer and a Not-So-Hot Summer. Seriously, it doesn't seem to matter what the ambient temperature is, we've had this happen in Summer and Winter.
Any clues/advice from the Jag sages out there will be appreciated.
We love 'Grand Touring' in our Sovereign, our trips through the countryside, 'gliding' over railroad tracks/bumps, and just the ride...there doesn't have to be a destination.
D.A. Gillespie
1986 XJ6 Sovereign
Submitted by jam@ispwest.com on Wed, 11/09/2005 - 06:00
In my '84 XJ6, I turn the key to the start position and wait a few seconds before cranking the starter. Usually the engine starts at once. I think waiting a few seconds pressurizes the fuel system, I recall reading this in the owner's manual. I also drive a '65 S type, which does not have the complex fuel injection system of the XJ6, but which has the same problem you are having; The S type has fewer components to look at for troubleshooting, (a simple fuel system and a simple ignition system) as opposed to the Series 3 XJ6 which has many more components in each of those systems that might be causing the problem, so troubleshooting the XJ6 turns into plain guesswork unless you are an experienced technician, and most of us are not. But here's a few tips out of my experience: I would test the Fuel Pressure Regulator and the Coolant Temperature Sensor in the Fuel System, as well as the Fuel Pumps and the Fuel Changeover Valve; In the Ignition System, check the Ignition Module (a Delco-Remy part). Overall, check for Vacuum Leaks. The best way to "test" all these components is by substitution with new parts, otherwise you will need special tools besides a Volt-Ohmmeter. Since you are in Houston, consider taking the car to Phil Prince at Motorcars Ltd., he is experienced in the Series 3 XJ6, and a Jaguar-trained technician.