I recently changed my valve cover gasket and after I buttoned all that up I turned over the xj and the idle seemed to be jumpy. After she warmed up I took her for a test drive and it all seemed well for about 5 mins but then once I drove on my street the voltage dropped and the power steering when out and the dash lights were very dim. I turned her off then restarted her and it seemed fine. I also noticed that my right turn signal dash light stays on. The lights work fine when I engage them but once its off that light stays on. I do.t see why since I haven't touched the wiring. Has anyone gone through this or know how to fix this? Please help.

 

Sounds like a ground issue to me

 

Assuming you did install correctly...
Check all your connections at battery, ground points and around where you were working.
Load test battery
Check voltage at different points to see if signal is correct
Put a code reader on it. Even if the CEL isn't on... If that gives you a direction, great! If not....
Start replacing things like plugs and wires, cap and rotor. My .02

 

Thank you for the help. I'll do that when I get home. I'll keep thus thread updated.

 

OK I check the battery and the connections, all seem fine. But now she won't turn over. She sounds like a machine gun every time I turn the key. Idk what's goin on but it is pissing me off!

 

Does anyone have any idea what could be wrong?

 

It could just be coincidence.

Get the battery and alternator checked?

The clicking is prolly just the battery not being able to supply enough juice.

 

You must CLEAN the battery connections. Can't tell a thing by looking at them. Remove battery cables, clean them and the battery posts until shiny.

If that doesn't help, load test the battery. Load testing is absolutely the ONLY accurate way of determining battery condition. Your engine management system hates it when available battery voltage is marginal and yours sounds like a classic case of this.

Any parts store will load test your battery for FREE.

 

I did load test the battery and it passed at 528 cold crank. And I will try and remove all wires today again but when I looked at them earlier they seemed good but the wires were an extra 2 or so feet longer then they needed t be.

 

OK so I cleaned all the negative connections and checked for any damage. Then checked the positive connection to the started and found it very dirty. I now get the engine to crank but it won't Turk over now. And I smell gas after attempting to turn her on. This damn XJ is starting to **** me off! Oh an I had to buy a new oil pressure switch since I broke the old one in accident, side not, went to buy one at pep boys and they didn't have it at my location so I would of had to drive about 20 mins for the part and the cost was $40. Then I went to check auto zone across the street and they had it there in stock for only $18 with a life time warranty!

 

It is most likely flooded. Leave it sit overnight and try it again. Or pull the plugs out and either replace them (never hurts to have a spare set) or dry them out.

 

Which plugs? The spark plugs you mean? I'm hoping I find a problem soon. I need this to be fixed asap.

 

What year?

 

Its a 1990. I got a new battery for her and she is cranking but won't crank over all the way. And I smell aa strong gas oder

Here is a video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5jM...e_gdata_player

 

I'm going to change the crank position sensor tomorrow. I'm hoping that is the problem