Jaguar Repair: 1989 Jaguar XJS, jaguar xjs, fuel rail

Question
We have a 1989 XJS that sat for one year.  On trying to start it.. it started..ran for a minute or so..then died.  It sometimes starts, runs fine (like when the tow truck guy came) but then exhibits the same symptoms.  The car has spark and 100 psi at the fuel rail.  It almost sounds like it's going to start (when cranking) ..and sometimes will with the throttle wide open. (Smokes like a pig when it fires)  Most mornings it will start and run for 30 seconds or so.  (We put noid light on the injectors and they show that they are firing) Help

Answer
Hi Tom,

I don't have any experience with any Jaguar after the 1987 models. However, I suspect I see a problem from what you said. "Smokes like a pig" I am guessing it is black smoke. This is from your statement that it has 100 PSI at the rail. I don't think the 89 "S" was suppose to have any more then 30 PSI at the rail. So I would check the pressure regulator first. It sounds like it is sticking at times or failing. Check the pressure when it is running correctly. If it is about 30 PSI and you seen 100 PSI at times check the return line to the tank to see that it is clear and not pinched and replace the pressure regulator.

That is my guess.

Howard