I was also ranting / threadjacking in another thread figured I would consolidate.

They told me I need an evaporator core probe. CCKen filled me in with a part number 55035503. Now I am here. I have to check the work they have done and see if that part is really the problem. Will update in the next couple days.

Still gotta check the rear main seal and replace valve cover grommets to try to pinpoint this oil leak.

 

Dealerships typically employ very good mechanics. Most are trained better than the average joe. However, not much excuse for the problems here. Go back, give them a list of your problems with their work, and let them fix it. Tell them you want a car to use in the downtime since they didn't feel like doing it right the first time.

I didn't read the whole thread. Just enough. Saw a lot of people bashing dealerships and I never understand that. Probably the labor rates. Yes, they are higher. And typically they are better trained. So, there ya go. Someone has to pay that additional overhead for prime real estate.

I prefer to work on my own car most of the time. However, when I have a problem with one of my other vehicles I can't figure out, I take it to the dealership and let them tell me what's wrong. Then I fix it myself most of the time. By this time I've bypassed the slimy service writer and I'm taking straight to the tech.

 

I agree that dealerships generally do have well trained and skilled mechanics. That being said, you still need to be educated about the process and the problem if you go there. If you manage the repair process carefully you may spend a premium, but get a good repair with OEM parts. If you don't have access to a trusted independent mechanic, a dealership may be a better choice than some hack who does more harm than good. The XJ is a simple old beast that's been around forever. Chances are there are good independent garages in your area who have spent plenty of hours in these rigs. Ask around and chances are you'll find one.

 

Definitely agreed.

 

cleaned the throttle body / new gasket and cleaned IAC, still get a low idle / hesitant start that evens out after a couple seconds. The easter egg hunt continues

 

Cylinder 1 2 3 gapped at 30 cylinder 6 (which was the loose one) gapped at 40. I correctly gapped during tune up in october (plugs wires cap and button).

Noticed that it solved my hesitation when I floor it. Used to mash the gas and it would act like it wanted to cut off then catch and go. Now thats gone.

 

still getting an erratic startup that normalizes after a few seconds, or dies. Thinking my spark plugs are shot since they were tampered with.

 

Going to recheck my grounds

update - ground strap is tight and clean, ground near battery tight and "looks" good. Oil filter might not be sealed correctly which is apparently where my oil leak is at.

 

Have you confirmed good fuel pressure at rail prior to turning key to Start?

 

Just gave in and bought a fuel pressure test kit. Any specific procedures to follow to get certain results?

I am going to hook it up and get some readings from key on / XJ off, XJ on and leave it hooked up after turning off.

***installed new fuel pump and screen in October.

 

need to find correct procedure to test fuel pressure and results list

 

I did a fuel pressure test and it held great when I turned the engine off. When running though I am right at 57-61 fluctuating rapidly. Next step is to clean the injectors or get some 703's to clean and install.

 

got a test done seems to be my alternator going out giving me the problems with starting. Nice to know that they don't completely give out at once and show signs before failing. I still don't trust the dealership though.

 

x2 on that one. I work for a Mazda dealership, and we have two Factory Trained / ASE Master Mechanics. One is the service manager and doesn't do any actual work on the vehicles.

 

Wow man, that is really rough. That's quite a ride for ANY shop, never mind a dealership! Your story reads like a quicklube nightmare where half of the "techs" can't even read.

Could be a pretty good price, depending on neighborhood.

And since your dealer experience you see hookers regularly? That's ****ed lol