1994 Cherokee SE 4.0 engine. This vehicle is new to me and I've not owned a Jeep 4.0 before.

The vehicle almost always takes two attempts to start the engine if not recently run. A ~10 sec crank cycle then it will start with the second cycle almost immediately.

Is this normal for this system? If not what might be the cause? I would initially suspect a "bleed-down (bleed-back)" in the fuel delivery system.

 

I would initially suspect a "bleed-down (bleed-back)" in the fuel delivery system.

this is what I've read. mine isn't that bad but i guess the fuel pump doesn't hold pressure like it should, i also read its pretty normal for this to happen. try turning the key to the on position for a few seconds "you should here the pump prime" then start.

 

Try priming it, cycle the key on then off then on, do that a couple times and try to start it right away. If it starts then the fuel is bleeding back.