Hi Guys,

First breakdown in my 2001 XK8 with 35,000 miles. On start up this morning i noticed that that it was a little rough but it didn't last and drove fine. I drove a good bit today and the car performed fine. My last stop was at the supermarket. When I went to start up the car to go home it was a rough start and would not maintain idle and then would turn off. I tried several times to start it but it would not run. The starter is working but it seems like it's not getting fuel. I checked the fuses to the fuel filter etc. and all the fuses are fine. The more I tried to start it the worse it got. I finally had the car towed home and it's now sitting in my driveway. It still won't start. Someone told me that it might be the fuel filter. Has anyone else had this issue?

 

Possible fuel pump. Have someone turn on the car while you stick your head in the trunk and listen for a pump whine from the fuel tank. Another way is to take off the left cover over the engine and remove the blue cap on the fuel rail. Press down the pintle in the center of the valve and fuel should come out with some pressure. If it dribbles out, cycle the key (off, on, off) the try again. should have some pressure. Either way should tell you if the fuel pump is working or not. From my experience, more fuel pumps fail in the winter time. Don't know why.

 

Do you think this is the correct fuel pump for my car? 255LPH Performance Fuel Pump Ford F150 w Strainer | eBay

 

Check out rockauto.com They have the right pump listed for less. GET the Strainer as well!!! You may even get it cheap enough from a dealer. That ebay kit required you to change the connector, no good.

 

Do like BlackX300 said to check your fuel pressure. If you have no pressure, then it's very very unlikely to be the fuel filter. I have a video which shows how to remove the tank to get to the pump. It's a DIY job, but it's a slight pain in the ***. Fortunately you can buy a new pump for less than $100. on the 2003+ cars it is $800.

 

Thanks BlackX300VDP, I see that you are in Wilmington Del. My band is playing at the World Cafe Live at the Queen next Friday. Is you're shop on Wilmington?

 

Thanks Sam, I'll check out you video.

 

Check that the air flow hose from the trohtle is well attached to the air flow meter/air filter case. I had the same problem and turned out the hose was loosed at the meter end.

 

check the codes and see if there were any misfires or lean codes.

 

I'm at the Land Rover dealer just outside of Wilmington. I haven't been to the Queen yet since it reopened. I hear it is a nice cozy setting. I hope you enjoy it!

 

There are a a couple different pumps listed on RockAuto Parts Catalog

Is this the correct one? Also I am told that I should replace the link lead and will need the sealer ring. Any idea where I can get a good deal on those parts?

 

That looks like it. For some reason at our shop it seems we replace more fuel pumps on cars that sit alot. For example we have one customer with an '01 XK8 with 4600 (yeah, that's right, not 46K) miles that had a dead pump.

 

What about the link lead. Does it have to be replaced as well? Someone told me that i should replace when i replace the pump.

 

That is good advice, they often carry excessive current when the pump is failing and get stressed or burned.

 

Sounds that like particular fuel pump died of neglect and atrophy.

 

I have been visiting this forum since 4/09, so I have seen two cycles of people taking their cars out of winter storage and both times there have been a few incidents of dead fuel pumps.

 

Thanks guys.

 

I'm sorry but I just have to repeat myself. "If you don't use it, you loose it". Jack

 

I had a set of fuel pressure gauges purchased @ HarborFreight for $29. They showed no pressure on the schraeder valve on the back right of the fuel rail.

RockAuto is not carrying the Airtex fuel pump right now that many people use. The correct fuel pump also fits a Taurus and some Mazda's. It seems like it was also right at $70. If that's the problem, you also need to buy the sock that goes over the end of the intake and a new fuel filter.

Unfortunately, I found it easier to just farm out pulling of the gas tank out to my local auto mechanic--2.7 hours on the base rate @ $50. Trying to do this job is tough--when I couldn't even feel where to put the tool. I'm just grateful my mechanic had done'em before. He dropped the differential a couple of inches to get to the connection.