Starting problem

[xj40s]

I left my 2004 4.2 pointing uphill on quite a steep slope for about 2 weeks. When I tried to start it it was very reluctant to start with just the occasional fire. After several extended cranking periods it started and ran OK. Fuel tank was abut 1/4 full. I am wondering oif fuel system had drained back to tank or could there be another problem causing poor start. Car is in VGC but has done 155,000 miles

[J44EAG]

Perhaps just a bit of air in the fuel line due to the angle of the car on the hill. As we all know, these cars very rarely have any starting issues other than due to a failing battery.

An odd occurrence. Might be interesting to see if it occurs again.

Mike

[richardt@richardsel.plus.com]

Had an intermittent starting problem on my last XJ8 Exec 3.2L that turned out to be a clogged fuel pump and a fuel filter (bag type) that was partially full of crud -- 137k miles. On the XJ8 (X308) both are internal to the fuel tank so it means dropping exhaust, rear chassis sub-frame to get access. But once done, wow the performance increase was amazing!

I've not had the 4.2L engine, on the 3.2L there's a Shraeder valve that you can unscrew with a bicycle valve remover
to see whether you're getting fuel up to the injectors' rail -- it should spurt when turning over not just dribble as mine did until the crud in the pump and filter was moved over by the pump pressure which then allowed starting. That valve is accessable and viewable from engine top.

Surprised though that on a hill you were having start problems -- AFAIK the pick-up in the tank is by a wide gauze-covered funnel mouth (or am I remembering another car?). Nevertheless, it shouldn't have happened at all at ¼ full showing. Unless the pick up has fallen off the pick up's fuel tube...

[PaulGover]

I've noticed a similar problem with my diesel XJ. I suspect the plumbing that arranges a "hidden" 3/4litre reserve introduces an air lock in these circumstances. The last time it happened to me, I noticed the predicted Range increased significantly, and then decreased again rather faster than the miles travelled would imply. I suspect the combination of slope and low fuel level allows air to displace the hidden reserve, and the fuel pump has to suck the air out before it can reach the fuel again.