Last week had fuel pump failure at startup on my 02 VDP with 52k mi. Pulled off trunk liner and banged on pump housing,now working fine. Had identical problem and fix on my previous 02 base at 98k which had pump replaced 15k earlier and then no more trouble and still working at 120k when I sold. Also pump failure on my 01 base about 90k and I had replaced (didn't try the banging thing on that one).
Is this a known problem on the 01 to 03 models?
Dealer pump cost about $400 but I see Bosch pumps new on Ebay for $77. Anyone have any experience with these? AC/Delcos are $58 and then you can get the cheap imports for even less (not that I would).
Have driven car multiple times since initial failure with no problem but still concerned. My thought is to at least purchase a replacement and have on hand "in case".
Comments/advice appreciated, it's getting too cold to use my '56 140 as backup transportation (for those who don't know the heaters in 50's Jags were about as effective as rubbing two sticks together). :)

Submitted by chuckjag@verizon.net on Wed, 11/20/2013 - 15:50

Tom, thanks much. I know the fuse box you speak of. I'll verify location same on 02 and I'll make a jumper to keep in my onboard emergency kit. If needed, it'll be easier than pulling the access panel to tank and finding something to whack the pump housing with. I can't remember the uncountable times I've reached under the frame of an old XK to rap the SU pump and wake up the little tin god to get the points clicking again :)
One of the few concessions I made when refurbing my 140 OTS for a driver was to install a modern electric. I've had the same problem on all my XKs 120, 140, 150, sooner or later. At least my 150S has two pumps (side by side, not the double ended ones that came later).
Still love them though despite the foibles, always have, always will. (The Germans may make great machines and I have respect for them, but Jags have SOUL !)

Chuck
Think I'll buy a spare pump and keep on hand as well "just in case".
Am I to surmise the #90&53 are racing #s on your Es?

Submitted by coventryclassi… on Mon, 11/18/2013 - 08:55

In the boot (trunk) next to the battery is a fuse box. Square with a corner cut off. On my 2001 the center row, second from left, is the fuel pump relay. Place your finger on it when someone else turns on the key, and you should feel it click. Remove the relay & exchange it with any other. Should all be the same. If it starts, you need the relay. If not look at the side of the relay, you will see 3& 5 are the closed circuit. Make a jumper wire with flat ,male terminals & insert it in the fuse box 3&5 location. Start car. Shut car off, reinstall relay & hope for the magic....
Cheers Tom

Submitted by chuckjag@verizon.net on Sun, 11/17/2013 - 00:45

Thanks for info Tom. Since I've never been able to get my Service Manual on CD to work perhaps you can clue me where relay is located.
Thanks much.
Chuck

Submitted by coventryclassi… on Fri, 11/15/2013 - 15:53

Hey Chuck, I have had the (no fuel pump after sitting over night) problem on three different 2001 Jags. Two were XK8s and an XJ8. All came alive after removing the fuel pump relay (I did try switching relays first) and jumping the power in & power out terminals with a paper clip. The relay has markings on one side showing this. After it starts I reinstall the relay & "PRESTO" car fixed. Haven't had fuel pump problems since. Makes no sense, switching relays would have done the same thing. Relay would click but no pump. Can't explain why, but might get you going again if it happens on the road. Now I carry a jumper wire with male spade connectors on each end just in case. Cheers Tom