Engine does not stay running

FWELCH

MEMBER
1972 JAGUAR XJ6
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
72,000 MILES

On my car it turns over just fine, it has spark now but seems to not be getting fuel. The fuel pump is working, I even disconnected the fuel line and checked the flow gas is flowing. I tried starter fluid and as long as the starter is engaged the engine acts like it's going to run but as soon as I let off the starter it shuts off immediately. What can the issue be? I rebuilt the carburetors but still the same issue listed above. Any suggestions?

4 Replies

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Are you using an electric fuel pump? Is so, more than likely the pump has failed. I just dealt with this exact issue on a 1961 Austin that we replaced the mechanical pump with an electric pump. Basically the pump would turn on and build a small amount of pressure but it would not fill the bowl.

So what I would do is turn the pump on for 20 seconds and then shut it off and check the bowl to see if it is full. If it is not then your pump is the issue.

If you have an electric pump then you should have a filter between the tank and pump.

Unfortunately our manual does not have much on this vehicle so I am not positive how it is equipped but you have a fuel issue and I would think the pump is the issue.

Let me know what you find with this and we can go from there. Thanks

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Sunday, July 11th, 2021 AT 5:51 PM

FWELCH

MEMBER
14 POSTS

I replaced the fuel pump with a high pressure pump. The fuel is getting through too good. Fuel shooting out of both carburetor. I figured that would happen. I'll go back to the low pressure pump. Funny thing though, it almost started up. I'm wondering, does the 1972 have a crank position sensor and could that be an issue?

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Sunday, July 18th, 2021 AT 12:58 PM

FWELCH

MEMBER
14 POSTS

Oh, another question regarding the fuel pump. With the low pressure pump it was clicking when it comes on and operating. Is that normal for the low pressure fuel pump?

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Sunday, July 18th, 2021 AT 1:04 PM

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Sorry for the delay. Yes, you need a low pressure pump. No more than 8 PSI. Preferably a 4-7 PSI pump.

However, if you have a 5-8 PSI then that is fine as well.

As for the clicking noise, it depends on the make of the pump as this could be normal. However, it normally just makes a humming noise when it comes on but if there is a single click then I would not be overly concerned as they have a solenoid inside that turn the pump on.

Feel free to get a recording of this if you are still concerned or you think I am not understanding and that will help catch me up.

Thanks

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Monday, July 19th, 2021 AT 6:54 PM