1987 Jaguar XJ6 engine starves and dies

Check the fuel pressure fuel pump could be getting weak and producing low pressure. The clicking sound could be the fuel pump relay

Common Problems and Solutions for backfiring

Most causes of backfires in the exhaust system can be addressed by troubleshooting the reason for the air to fuel ratio imbalance. The solution usually involves checking for vacuum leaks, changing the airflow sensor, oxygen sensor, or fuel filter to ensure the fuel mixture system is functioning properly.

A common backfire situation occurs when there is a small leak in the air injection system that feeds the exhaust system. This can cause unburned fuel to explode suddenly. One of the most common causes is a stuck or faulty air intake or gulp valve near the exhaust manifold.

Backfiring can also occur with a sudden drop in fuel pressure. This may be due to a faulty fuel pump or a plugged fuel filter. Correcting problems in the fuel system usually resolves these issues.

Incorrect ignition timing to the spark plugs is another cause of backfire. Adjusting the ignition distributor, if the engine is so equipped, may resolve this problem. Adjusting engine timing is not difficult and can be done with a timing light by following the timing adjustment procedure for your car. If you do not know your car's ignition timing procedure please visit our car repair manual page. A vehicle that is not timed properly will not idle, run or operate correctly and will often backfire rapidly. On newer cars you will need to scan the pcm to check for CKS (crankshaft angle sensor) related trouble codes.

Maintenance

To prevent backfires there are several things you can do:

Change the fuel filter as needed, the fuel filter is a vital part of your fuel system and can cause a backfire(s) if the filter is clogged and not changed regularly. A bad fuel filter can cause low fuel pressure creating a perfect situation for a backfire to occur. Changing the filter is simple and can save gas with improved performance of your vehicle's engine reducing the occurrence of backfires.

Tune up and service your fuel injection system to follow the maintenance schedule for your particular car. This ensures correct fuel consumption with the correct amount of emissions. Fuel that is not burned completely will leave ample opportunity for a backfire to occur. These maintenance requirements are associated with other systems on your vehicle. Avoiding maintenance on your car can increase the risk of backfiring and other system malfunctions.