I just purchased this car ("broken") with 67K on the clock for $2100 car is BEAUTIFUL in and out. Seller stated he had it to the dealership in 2008 when he noticed "loss of power" and they reported it had compression issue. It's been in storage since then. I've taken it apart enough to expose the secondary chains and the upper part of the primaries. It appears to have had the secondary tensioners replaced with the newer metal ones and the primaries appear tight. I wish I would have read about the cylinder wash issue prior to taking it all apart as I could have tried the oil in spark plug holes trick to try to start it. (knowing I would need to drain the fuel system and put in fresh gas)
Any recommendations for the next steps. My thinking is to put it back together, freshen the fuel system and do the cylinder oil trick.

 

I'm afraid the problem with the low compression is because of the nikasil engine and if this is your case you'll need a new engine. Have a search in the forum about the issue and you'll find a lot information.
Two questions: what is your engine 3.2, 4.0 or XJR? And what exactly is your compression right now? How are you sure that this is the problem with the loss of power?

 

Well, I'm not convinced it needs an engine. Put oil in cylinders and she lives.....purrs like a kitten....but only on starting fluid....no pressure at the rail....soooo.....fuel pump?....how do you remove the gas tank? I un-bolted te straps in the trunk but it seems its attached somewhere else as well

 

You really need to read up tank removal in JTIS

bob gauff

 

Before beginning the fuel pump replacement, I checked fuses, relays, power at the plug and bought the (cheap)$US110 Airtex pump at AutoZone. Poof!!! a running Jag! Do I need to mention that dropping the suspension is necessary for US burly revolutionaries. Yes, if you want to save some time 10 bolts allows plenty of room to get those big A#@ arms in there and dissconnect those "well placed" fuel lines.. These fellows that say it can be done without that extra 4inches must have sticks for forearms

 

I love stories like that! Congrats on the cheap and relatively easy fix!! Enjoy.

 

Trying to access those fuel line connectors to replace a fuel pump has brought pain and suffering to many a Forum member trying to save a buck. Could you possibly find time to take strategic pictures of the 10 suspension bolts you are referring to and perhaps write up your procedure in steps we could follow? If so you would earn the gratritude of many Forum members. A failed fuel pump is a common (and, usually expensive) problem with aging Jags. My personal confidence failed and it cost me $600 to have mine replaced by a competgent independent Jag mechanic.

 

This car has become a bit of a project....that so far I'm quite enjoying!!!
I will certainly make an attempt to chronicle my follies complete with photos....I'm so fortunate to have a wonderful friend in a retired mechanic who allows me some space of his home-shop and full use of his tools....and grateful for the hundreds of postings in this website that have become invaluable information for me to get his far, this quickly with my XJ8 L. It's the least I can do to contribute my humble experience.