Filling Fuel Tank Issues 2010 XKR

[PChilds]

Hello and thanks for taking the time to read my post.

I have a 2010 XKR Coupe which is used very infrequently. When filling the fuel tank I'm struggling to do so without the nozzle shutting off every few seconds. When I can fill it will only take fuel at a very slow rate. Consequently it takes forever to fill the tank and in most cases I struggle to get more than 3/4 tank of fuel. I have tried the nozzle at all angles, the nozzle fully in the neck and partially out. I have also tried different fuel stations in case it was the pump rather than the car.

I was wondering if anyone else may have experienced these issues and would be happy to share their experiences. I would also be optimistic and hopeful that whatever the issue there is a fix.

The car is a UK model and has covered a modest 33,000 miles with a FSH.

Best Regards, Peter

[andypryce]

Hi Peter,
I can't say I have noticed the same issue on mine, and i am struggling to think why it should be, I am not sure whether it is a fixed or flexible pipe that leads to the tank, Mike will probably know, his XK knowledge is impressive! If the latter I wonder if there is a slight kink in the pipe?

[mike020150]

There is a flexible section of pipe below the metal filler pipe as Andy suggested. The filler pipe design altered during the model's production run. Whether that was to resolve a filling issue or was simply a change of supplier I don't know. The filler pipe also has a narrow vapour return pipe leading back into the top of the filler pipe. A blockage in the narrow pipe would cause filling problems. Hence, ensuring the vapour return pipe is clear would be a sensible step.
I haven't experienced filling issues in the UK in my XKs but I have on the continent. My conclusion was that the size of the filling nozzle and how far it can be inserted into the filler pipe are critical to good fuel flow. The problem there occurred with the same major brands of fuel so I sought out alternatives where the car could be filled normally. Mike.

[PChilds]

Hi Andy and Mike,
Really appreciate your thoughts and assistance thank you.

My car is looked after by Arun Jaguar in Pulborough West Sussex who are very good. I'll pass on these comments to see if they can investigate the issue further. I'll let you know how I get on.

Best regards, Peter

[andypryce]

Good luck, yes let us know the outcome, in case others have similar issue.

[PChilds]

Hi Andy and Mike,
My car has today been into Arun Jaguar for further investigation. They have disconnected the vapour return pipe and lightly blown it through with compressed air. No definite blockage was evident and air was passing through the pipe and the carbon filter. They then filled the fuel tank which was already 3/4 full. During filling there were no recurring nozzle cut-offs until the tank was full. Time will tell whether there's still an issue but for now it appears to have resolved the previous issues I was experiencing.

Many thanks for the helpful responses which I was able to share with Arun Jaguar.

Best Regards, Peter

[andypryce]

Let’s hope you are sorted!

[mike020150]

Fingers crossed. Mike.

[dyrham663]

Funnily enough I had exactly the same issue today. I must have already filled the car a dozen times by now and several times at the same garage without any problems.

I thought the fuel pump was set to pump quite fast as it is a small village garage that often has queues. I mentioned it when I paid and the person behind the counter said 'they often get that problem with Jags ...' ?

Steve

[mike020150]

Last Summer, a concerned member on holiday on the continent, contacted me to report the same problem at a series of continental garages. It was taking him as long to refuel as an electric car takes to recharge! Returning to the UK, his XK now behaves perfectly normally again. I'm convinced the pump nozzle dimensions or fuel flow rates must be critical to within a few millimetres/litres per second. Not surprisingly, the XK system is designed to shut off when it experiences only a very slight increase in tank pressure. Mike.

[DaveO]

Just for the record my 2004 XKR I bought 4 years ago experiences the same problem. Its not often I tank up but yes the problem occurs every time so I restrict the pump flow to avoid spillage. Its not a big issue, just mildly irritating so I have learnt to play the game without stressing. I shall on this occasion resist the temptation to be extremely rude about the manufacturer.