I had to leave my 1998 XJ8 outside for several days (lower 20's, so not too cold). Started it right up, & moved it into the garage, no problem. The next morning, it would not start. Seems to spin over quickly, but I have no reference, as it has always, always, started first turn or two. Now it seems to not fire at all. I've heard no untoward sounds or anything...it just will not fire. Any suggestions before I have to tow it to a shop & pay to have it diagnosed & worked on? Thanks

 

How far is it from where you had the car to your garage?
Did the engine have a chance to get warm or was it a couple of yards?

If the latter, you may have bore wash. Over fuelling (but normal planned over fuelling) on a stone cold engine removes the oil film on Nikasil.
This makes you lose compression.

Adding a teaspoon or tablespoon (have not done this myself) to each cylinder can help get you started.

Somebody can help with the specific details of exactly what to do. Or search for bore wash, cylinder wash as Nikasil.

Regards

Lincoln

 

I understand your Jag is Cranking, therfore the battery is hot. Can you Hear the Fuel Pump Click on when the ignition is turned on?

The Jags will flood easily and sometimes will appear not to be getting any spark or fire because of rich fuel mixture--- try holding the accelerator to the floor while cranking for about 30 seconds to see if the engine tries to fire up. If it does attempt to fire but does not start Turn off the key and let the starter cool off for about 10 minutes. Repeat Step----Try again holding the accelerator to the floor while cranking for about 30 seconds to see if the engine tries to fire up.

In order to clear a flooded injected jag engine always keep throttle to the floor while trying to start engine.

Now try Normal start procedure --- do not pump accelerator to start these Jag engines... they will flood badly and wash cylinders.

Let me know if you notice any change in symptoms.

Good Luck
Charles crpace@***.net

 

Tried putting accelerator flat on the floor, then turning engine over for 30 seconds. Thought it tried to fire once or twice. Now letting starter cool & battery charge up (though it wasn't down much). I'll do a search for bore wash or cylinder wash & see what anyone else has to say about it.

In answer to questions, I did not run it long enough to warm the engine up, so perhaps that was my original problem...a mistake I won't make again!!

Bob

 

The biggest problem with cylinder wash is that it does not go away with time. Once the oil has been washed away there is not enough compression to start the engine, and it stays that way.
Removing the plugs from the right bank only and adding oil to those cylinders has been suggested by one of the professionals. That side is easier to access.

 

Yep- sounds like cylinder wash. put some oil into the cylinders, then crank it with the injector fuse pulled to get the oil around the rings.

Never turn it off until you have warmed it up first.. lesson learned.

 

Definitely a "wash".

Proper procedure: Remove plugs (I did all of them, some people say one bank is enough, but I didn't want one bank spinning dry!)), syringe with motor oil injected in each cylinder (no more than a teaspoon in each). With plugs still out put the "pedal to the metal" (cuts off fuel supply), crank for 5-10 seconds to distribute the oil on the cylinder walls, and soak the rings, reinstall plugs,......and start as normal! Some smoke comes out the tailpipe, wait until the RPMs go down from choke, and take off. Drive until the normal operating temp is shown on the dash, and park.

Lesson learned: NEVER shut off Nicasil engine before it's fully warmed up.

 

THANK YOU...THANK YOU...I really appreciate the help this forum has given me. I followed the suggestions, foot on floor, 30 sec on starter, had to do it about 5-6 times...with time in between to cool down the starter. Then today with throttle about 1/2, & it began to sputter, & soon it was running. Wow...it will never again get put away cool. I had absolutely no idea, but I do now! It had all kinds of mysterious codes, so I went to disconnect the battery, & found a broken battery connection, so I'm off to get a replacement. But it runs, & runs good! Oil & filter now changed, I'm ready to drive again. Thanks so much for all your advice & suggestions...IT WORKED!! AGAIN!!

 

PS: I was ready to pull the plugs & try the oil in the cylinders solution, but didn't have to go that far! But I was ready to try. Fortunately I didn't have to go that far. So, thanks again...everyone!!

 

Jag mechanic told me that these engines need to sense some heat before making fuel mixture lean enough - ie engine needs to be run for maybe 30 to 60 seconds or more in cold weather - otherwise next time you try to start engine the "autochoke" is kinda stuck full on - hence floods and will not start.

Have myself needed to crank over engine for 10/15 seconds continuously a few times before engine fired up - after turning it off just manouevring on drive way for a few seconds.