jeeptrick

i have a 1998 jeep cherokee classic 4wd 6cyl. When i go to start the car it turns over and just "garbles/putters" for a few seconds and will start up rough. if i turn off the car and turn it back on it starts up fine. any ideas what it could be?

98jeepsrt6

Start with checking your fuel pressure, battery terminals, and spark.

Cant remember correct fuel pressure but someone else will chime in to let you know.

Clean the battery terminals if you havent done so in the past.

And also check spark at the coil just to be sure you have a solid spark.

Jeroen

Sounds like the fuel check valve to me. Know issues. To a bit of searching and you'll find plenty of references and how to check it.

Try this for starters; Put the ignition on, but don't start the engine immediately. This will allow the pump to build up pressure. Starts after a few seconds. If it starts promply, you can bet it's the check valve.

There's also a little valve on the fuel rail. If you leave your car overnight, check in the morning if there's any pressure left by taking the cap of and pressing the little valve in. If there's no fuel spurting out, it means the system has lost it's pressure, most likely the check valve

If it is the check valve you'll have to drop the tank and get the complete fuel pump/fuel sender/filter/check valve assemby out. And replace it. I did this recently as well.

It cured this exact problem, and it also fixed the eronous readings of the fuel gauge.

Jeroen