Hi guys, I've got some problems with my XF Staton Wagon that are driving me crazy.
1. Upon starting the car sometimes I just get brooom, but from the starter motor?? Either way its not the engine turning over but something spinning really fast while I am trying to start the engine. Starter motor not engaging?? Ideas?

2. Only just noticed this one, but on my last long trip (2 days ago) the gear stick got really really hot, almost enough to burn if you left your hand on it. But after taking it out of 5th then into 4th and then back to 5th it cooled back down in about 10 minutes. I think maybe something to do with the clutch, drag or something?? (I'm not greatly mechanically minded).

3. Car is hesitating quite a bit lately, like I can take off, then soon the car will almost stall and then takes off again.

4. The car has started shuddering when taking off in 1st gear. It used to be really smooth, this also leads me to believe a clutch problem for #2.

Any ideas, don't make me kick my car. I'm a part time student with not much money at all. So any cheap fixes? (Without great reliability compromises)

yep when your replacing the clutch make sure
you get the ring gear on the flywheel checked for
worn/damaged teeth. get the flywheel machined,
and get the starter checked by an auto elec!!

#1 will be the ring gear, the engine only stops in 1 of 3 crank/flywheel positions, and those 3 points get pretty worn over time

number 1 could also be starter related, if you hear a whirr, but the engine isn't moving, the starter might have a crook drive/solenoid.

number 3 sounds like a fuel problem of some sort.

if the clutch was replaced recently, was the flywheel machined?

AFAIK the clutch has not been replaced. I've just got a new starter motor. The wire going to to spade terminal was shot to s**t, all corrored. I didn't have any wire that size so I made up a wire with 2x 20amp wires. Replaced the starter motor and its starting fine now.

How much would I be looking at roughly for a replacement clutch?

i paid arund 250 for my xf's 5spd clutch.

OK, Just done an oil and filter change, replaced the ignition leads. Car seems fine, just the low revs rough running (dipstick not sealing). Will see how it goes. Is the clutch cable? (ie. Can I adjust it more??)

it's an EFI?????

Yep.
'84 XF with '86 EFI Head Conversion.