So I recently bought an 01 XJ with 182k on it. The guy took really good care if it but it has sat for the last 6 months or so. About a week after I bought it and had been driving it everyday it started to give me problems. When I go to start it after it has been sitting for a few hours it will crank and crank without starting, if I stop cranking it and start again it will usually fire right up. I'm pretty sure I can hear the fuel pump turning on when I first turn the key to try and start it. When it starts it will idle rough for about a minute and all is fine. Anyone have any ideas as to what is causing this? I was thinking fuel pump but I can hear it hum but still won't rule it out. Thanks in advance

 

It seems like it would be the fuel pump but how cold is it where you live

 

Right now it is getting down to about 40 at night. My brother also has an 01 and said it sounds like the fuel pressure regulator and to turn the key on and off a couple times in the morning before I start it to get the pump cycling a few times and prime it and if that works it is a good chance it is that.

 

I would say replace the fuel pump and just remember they are kind of famous for extended starts

 

Have you noticed any unexplained coolant loss?

 

There should be a shrader valve (like the kind on your tires) on the fuel rail sitting on top of your intake manifold. With the key on, push in the needle valve ... you should have 49 psi of fuel spraying at you. If you don't now you have a fuel pump problem. Are you certain that you are getting spark to the plugs ?