does it crank ??

 

it may be flooded or have a fueling problem .. fuel pump gone.. try starting it with your gas pedal all the way down wide open throttle,this cuts fuel out.. then crank if it starts or try's to start ..thenlesson throttle to allow fuel to flow..

 

What did you figure out?
I found this forum out of desperation. I have a '97 XK8 w/60k that cranks like crazy. It has gas pressue at the fuel rail and has consistant voltage to the ignition coils.I pulled the plugs, they looked good. It just won't fire up.
I cinsider myself a pretty good mechanic. I was an ASEcertified Master Tech in '92. A lot has changed since then!

 

This won't hurt, and it has fixed several of my 'computer' related problems. Try a reboot. Pull the negative for a couple minutes. It could be computer controlled...i'm no mechanic. But, it could be worth a try.

 

change jumped? or broke?

 

Ouch if it's the timing chain. Haven't heard of any of the new jags having problems with the timing chain, but there is a first time for everything. If it jumped it might do the same thing, but either way and expensive fix.

 

The '97 w/60k had its chains changed at 45k. I hope its not that! I was hoping to hear that the crank or cam positioning sensor fails at 60k. Or the fuel pump has a high rate of failure. Or something a little more pertanant to the dead cat in my garage.
This car has been a daily driver until Monday morning when it just decided to sleep in.
I thought it was a starter problem because it seemed to be cranking slow. I removed the starter (what a bitch) and had it tested. Other than some worn solonoid contacts it was fine. I had the battery tested, also OK. In hindsight it wasn't cranking slow, I just had never heard it crank without starting.
This morning I plan to find a pressure guage and check the fuel pressure. If that checks OK I'll have to call a tow truck.
Somebody help!

 

Out of curiosity, why did you have the timing chain changed at 45K miles? Was it changed with the engine in, or out of the car. Believe me, it makes a HUGE difference.

 

The chain was changed for (I believe) general maintenance. I bought the car shortly there after. It was done aJaguar specialty shop in Seattle at 54,416 miles (my mistake). The tensioners were replaced as well. Since it only cost $1900 I would assume it was done in car.
Why?

 

I wouldn't see the need to change the timing chain on our cars, specially with the XK having the variable valve timing thing where the cams are constantly adjusted and what not. That would be my biggest concern, that a timing chain was changed and it wasn't necessary. Also, if the engine was kept inside the car, then degree of dificulty is much greater and the chances that they torqued every bolt down to spec is miniscule. I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, and I hope that my mouth is simply sour and I'm I hope to be 100% wrong, but I'm just giving my opinion.

 

OK - I just did a compression check. They are all between 50 & 60 psi.
"Houston I think we have a problem."
Has anyone heard of "The Jag Shop" in Portland OR? I've had some minor stuff done there. The dealer in town, Monte Shelton, wanted $1700 to change valve cover gaskets, and $500 more for radiator hoses. The hoses are good. The Jag Shop didthe valve coversfor $450.

 

Just out of curiosity, what is the PSI supposed to be at? I know on my car it's supposed to be at 170+/- 10 psi.

 

Good question. I have the JTIS cd/rom,and I can't find an actual compression spec. All I know is 55psiseems to beway too low. Does the engine have to come out because of limited access to the front of the engine?

 

Well...............you tell me.

 

Thanks, I just called the tow truck and poured a tequila. I'll add to the thread when I get a diagnosis.
Appreciate the help,
Grant in Vancouver, WA

 

AWWWW ****! I'm so ****ing stupid. XK8, low compression, cranking over and not starting, everything else checks out fine....it's classic Nikasil. Sorry that I didn't think of this before, and now this is the worst possible news I could give you, but my friend, you have been bitten by the Nikasil bug. If you don't know what it is, just go to Google and search Nikasil+Jaguar. Sorry again if I'm just the bearer of bad news, but I don't think you expected much good news anyways. The bad news: You'll need a new engine. The good news: You'll HAVE a new engine. Sorry pal, but I don't really see any other explanation. Start to look for a deal on the engine, because it costs about 4K, and sometimes you can find them for a steal on ebay for under 2k. Just make sure you don't get another Nikasil bitten engine. Look for the 2001+ XK8 engine, because that one is iron coated instead of nikasil coated. I would also contact your dealer with the VIN number to be 100% sure that your engine is Nikasil coated. Good luck and let us know what you find out. Boy, you must hate me.

 

whats your compression/ vacuum reading?

 

50 psi he said.