Hi All,
Just purchased. So much to learn.
Being a 1978, does that mean the engine is definitely EFI?
Dropped a new battery in with a high cold crank amperage. Before turning the car on, the fellow I purchased from pumped the accelerator several times. When he turned the key the engine turned over so ferociously we had to shut it off. Why would that be? Too much pre ignition pumping?
Any insight would be wonderful! Thanks a million!
Pumping the pedal on either SU or EFI does nothing to aid starting, if you open the bonnet/hood its easy to identify whether its carbs or EFI, it will either have 2 x SU carburettors or non.
Do you think the battery was too powerful for the car? The original owners manual is in the glove box and it suggested one press of the accelerator before trying to turn the engine over.
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As Robin says, Michael - pumping the pedal before cranking has no effect either way on any ‘Series’ set-ups. Pumping pedal is sort of a remnant from the days of carb acceleration pumps and to release choke mechanisms…
These cars are strictly ‘feet off’ starters - though in some carb set-ups; one push on the pedal to release the automatic choke function may be necessary. Touching the gas pedal during cranking is, however, counterproductive, throwing the starting set-up off kilter - and the engine will not be happy…
‘…engine turned over so ferociously we had to shut it off’ - means you stopped cranking? There is no such thing as too fast cranking - the faster the engine cranks the more likely it is to start. The main factors slowing cranking is friction (cold weather; thickening oil, reduced battery output) and engine compression - and of course battery or starter issues. So high cranking speeds is basically ‘good’ - but have you checked compression?
Nothing bad is expected from cranking, and no driver inputs can affect cranking in progress.
And, as Robin says; either you have carbs visibly present, or you have EFI - the 78 may have either…
Frank
xj6 85 Sov Europe (UK/NZ)
Hi Frank,
Thank you for your response. I turned the key, the engine cranked and then fired. Vic did touch the gas pedal during the initial starting attempts because when the finally engine did turn over, it definitely didn’t sound happy.
The car is going into a shop in Vancouver as it needs a couple of things looked at. That being said, I was hoping to drive it there instead of having it towed. Image of the engine below 
