First of all, weather is not a factor. Live in Yuma AZ. Just bought a 95 Cherokee a couple months ago. The engine starts great when the engine is cold. After driving for awhile, I have to crank the engine several seconds to get it to start. Sometimes it scares me that it's not going to start. Since this Jeep is new to me, I changed plugs, wires, cap. rotor and coil. No improvement. Not sure about the timing, I don't have a timing light. Reminds me of the old vapor lock problems, now I am showing my age. Can something like this happen to these 4.0L engines. Any thoughts? Thanks, John.

 

WOW....no response. Where are the experts?

 

Ignition timing likely has nothing to do with the problem, if it runs OK when it starts.
The timing is not adjustable, since the distributor is in a fixed rotational position, and the engine computer adjusts timing.
Maybe an injector is dribbling fuel into the intake ?? ( Don't know if that's possible) Being just a bit flooded is what it sounds like though.

Sometimes a coil can act up when it's hot, but hard to say in this case. You could check the spark when the engine is hot, for a "blue" and not red/yellow spark..

 

Agree that this is not a timing issue; controlled by computer.

Ever seen a check engine light? If so, you must pull codes for clues/guidance.

In the absence of codes, I'd recommend testing your "coolant temperature sensor" If that sensor is wonky, it will give incorrect data to the computer and your engine may not want to start well when cold or hot, depending on failure mode.

You'll need a manual and a meter to test cold and hot resistances on this sensor. Not that hard. Good luck and keep us updated!

 

I've been at work...........

Mr. Walker offers some good suggestions.

There's no Silver Bullet fix here. Time to do some testing.