Lord "2 Jags" Sterling's fleet of failure - New addition; New MoT and Vectra repairs...

[Imhotep]

Ah mate I am sorry. As I said to you it gave me no inclination the starter was causing any issues (I mean you heard it fire up yourself just fine). I think it just doesn’t like new owners, as you know, the day I got it it ended up on the back of a big yellow taxi when it decided it didn’t need brake fluid any more.  

[Lord Sterling]

1 hour ago, Split_Pin said:

That is bad luck Mo, how did the S drive apart from when it wouldn't?

Really nicely. I did drive it quite extensively about a month back and loved it. It sounds gorgeous. 

Its a old car, stuff is going to fail, it's had stuff fail on it already and seems to like the back of recovery trucks when going to new owners. This happened to @Imhotep when he first got it.

[Lord Sterling]

1 hour ago, Imhotep said:

Ah mate I am sorry. As I said to you it gave me no inclination the starter was causing any issues (I mean you heard it fire up yourself just fine). I think it just doesn’t like new owners, as you know, the day I got it it ended up on the back of a big yellow taxi when it decided it didn’t need brake fluid any more.  

Mate @Imhotep don't worry about it. It happens, it happened to you. Now it's my turn. 

I'll get it repaired, get back on the road. No worries 👍🏼 

[Split_Pin]

1 hour ago, Lord Sterling said:

Really nicely. I did drive it quite extensively about a month back and loved it. It sounds gorgeous. 

Its a old car, stuff is going to fail, it's had stuff fail on it already and seems to like the back of recovery trucks when going to new owners. This happened to @Imhotep when he first got it.

Not so bad then. All my purchases need something or other when they arrive!

[Lord Sterling]

Right. Since then collection failure, the Jag went to that garage. They tested the alternator and battery. Alternator 'passed' but battery didn't. So a battery was then fitted. I couldn't collect the caf until today because of work. 

Collected it, got it washed and went to my local supermarket for bits and bobs. When I came out, it started but I felt when it started, it sounded a little 'off '. I got back home and slotted nicely into a large parking space. Unfortunately, when I switched it off, the same issue came back, it coughed and stopped trying to turn over.

I decided to give the interior a little clean and sort some recovery. Thankfully, I didn't need to get it moved today, so a recovery was sorted for some point next week.

As I'd just finished work in the morning (night shifter here) my head was starting to tell me it needed a pillow. I gave the car one more try of the ignition and suddenly, it started! If I can get it started next week, I'll drive it in and taxi it back home.

So I'm guessing this is either a lazy or sticking starter motor or a bad earth.

I've got to admit, its a Majestic looking thing.

The maddest thing is, on both occasions when the car broke down, I have had compliments off passing folk. One was from a young lad who was quite enthusiastic about it. The next was from an old boy who was passing by where I parked it above.

My impression of driving it about is, it's a nice relaxing cruiser that can definately get a step-on when needed. I'm going to be honest, if it wasn't for the Vectra, I'd be making this my daily.

I think thay despite the issues, I owe it to myself to get it running and driving and using it as another daily. It does mean more expense but given that both the '308 and Vectra B are long term residents, I'll have to try and fit this S-Type into my life somehow.

[Split_Pin]

Im high 80s percent certain like yourself that its the starter or an earth.

[Lord Sterling]

Jag is back, used it for the first time a couple of days ago. 

The starting issue was down to a very poor starter motor, I was told that it literally fell apart when being removed. It also had a fresh MoT, but initially failed due to a sticking out bumper which the mechanic repaired:

B4:

Afta:

What do I think of it? The S-Type is a supremely cruiser. It really is the kind of car I need as an everydayer. I absolutely love it. It has cost me a pretty penny to get it sorted and left me in a financially precarious position, but I think its worth it.

It's probably going to be a slight struggle to keep 3 cars going, but others here have multiple cars so why not.

The idea is to run it until someone makes a good offer, but I'm honestly reluctant to let go easily. 

What I've found is that its an unusual spec. A pre-facelift exterior design with a post facelift dash with big-screen sat-nav, later steering wheel and electric handbrake. It's a great combination.

There are still things that need done on this Jag though;

• Key needs to be programmed by Jaguar, there isn't an easy way to to DIY it.

• Drivers side window motor required. 

What of the Vectra then?

Yeah, sorry, but I'm still highly reluctant to sell that. Its just too useful as an estate and cool with its big V6 sound and square exhaust. It needs its rear brakes doing badly. The discs on the back were so badly scored, I decided to use the XJ8 for a few days instead.

It's now in the garage, the oil leak is still there, maybe a service with a new oil sump plug and oil filter will help stem it more. Plus some additive that will help the valve stem seals to soften up a bit may help to cut the blue smoke on start up.

I also noticed a squeak from the front when going over a speed bump, I suspect the shocks are past their best now.

There is still a way to go yet with this.