Classic/Antique Car Repair: 1986 Jaguar new battery hooked up right car cranks but no spark, diesel battery, gm diesel

Question
I just got a 1986 Jaguar that has been sitting for 10 year .Put new battery installed it corectly and there is no spark?
Please help
Thanks
John

Answer
Hi John,
Do this first, If the new battery is not a diesel deep charge battery connect up a jumper battery like you had a dead battery for a jump start. This gives you two batteries in parallel. Than check for spark. The series 3 XJ-6 was like that. It could spin over with a regular new battery and never fire at all. If it has spark then, you will need to get a "Deep Charge" battery like a diesel battery or a marine battery. There is a GM diesel battery that fits it OK.
If you have a new diesel battery let me know and I will walk you through the ignition tests.
Howard