2001 Jaguar S Type 4.0 V8

Hi I'm new to this forum and am in Norfolk,Va. Have done a lot of things to the Jag since I've owned it. New fuel filter, new battery, new spark plugs, new filter, cleaned Mas air flow sensor, oil change, cleaned throttle body. The initial reason behind all of this was trouble starting in the morning when engine was cold. The problem seemed to get better when the throttle body was cleaned, however after sitting for a longer period I'm right back to where I started. Also there is a gas smell from exhaust... Could bad cats cause this?? there's also a slight grinding noise in engine upon idle and first gear. ( maybe timing tensioner)?? Most importantly I would like to solve this starting issue. Any one who can help please chime in. Thank you all in advance for your help!

2001 Jaguar S Type 4.0 V8

 

Grinding noise in front of the engine. Maybe upper timing chain tensioners ,may cause starting problem. You seem to know the engine. I have the 2000 model and changed the secondary tensioners ar 50,000 miles. They were still ok. Your year should have updated tensioner sand not have the same problem. If you have high millege on the car you may want to listen at the front when someone turns it over. Otherwise don't run it. These engines good for leaking oil into the spark plugs and screwing up coils. Change the gaskets on the valve cover if you smell oil burning. I assume there was no oil around the coils because you changed the plugs.

 

2001Jaguar S Type 4.0 V8

Thanks for the reply. I did have a little oil around the coil boot and some oil on the plug tip, and the thread. They were NGKs and not uridium, so all were replaced with new iridium plugs, I don't think any coils were bad, what symptoms would let me know this?? Only issue with the car is the starting issue in the morning when engine is cold and that slight noise in the engine. Also I have checked all hoses and haven't spotted any leaks, are there any I am missing. How about sensors??
Thanks again for any help!

2001 Jaguar S Type 4.0 V8

 

Hi jag12284 - I would suspect a weak fuel pump. I would check your fuel pressure in the morning when you first turn the ignition key on (to prime the pump) DO NOT start the engine. I don't recall off hand but you should have at least 40 PSI at the fuel rail.

Sounds to me your hard starting issue (excessive cranking) in the morning is the fuel pump working hard to get the proper fuel pressure up to the injectors. After the initial start - there would be no excessive cranking issues since there would be residiual fuel pressure in the lines already:

Could be:

1) Weak or bad fuel pump
2) Weak or bad transfer pump (Yes, there are 2 fuel pumps)
3) Partitially or fully clogged fuel filter (but you changed it - was it installed correctly - arrow pointed towards the engine)
4) Partially clogged fuel injectors.

I would first check the fuel pressure - then depending on those results I would definitely double check the fuel filter to ensure it was installed correctly.

When you changed the fuel filter did you see brown (almost rusty fluid) or black particles in the fuel filter - if so, this would be indicitive of your fuel pump going south.

How many miles on the car?

 

2001Jaguar S Type 4.0 V8. 99,700 miles

Thank you for your response, can I check that with a tire pressure tester?? Yes the feul filter was put on correct I checked the arrow like three times. Lol the fuel just seemed a little dirty. So abanono you said don't turn it over just turn the key on right?? To check the pressure... There's 99,700 miles on it