Hard starting help
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Inline 6
Hey fellas i have a 96 XJ 4.0 H.O I6. Sometimes i try to start my rig and if i miss it the first time when i go to my second try it just wont start. I have to hold the gas pedal on the floor to get it to start. On my way though it sometimes stalls out at stop signs. When i was hitting some back roads, i was up to running temp and then it just cut out, stalled and wouldnt start again. So i let it set for a min or two then preceded to flip the keys back and forth running the fuel pump to make sure im up to presure. Yet again no start. So with my pedal on the floor it starts up and idles all over the guage up high to less then 1000 rpms. So when i try to put it in any gear forward or reverse it dies again. I noticed that after i start it and let it run for about 40 seconds it settles down to a constant idle and then i can up it in gear and it drives fine. I really need some more ideas. I replaced the fuel pump about 2500 miles ago , cps less than 100 miles ago, visibly inspected fuel lines for leaks but i cant make it run right. Its starting to be unreliable.
Any help in the right direction would help
Thanks in advance
Austin
Any help in the right direction would help
Thanks in advance
Austin
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 4,440
Likes: 3
From: Seal Beach, CA
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO Straight Six
It sounds like a fuel delivery problem to me considering it only starts with the pedal to the metal... How old is your fuel filter? It could be clogged if you havent replaced it recently
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Inline 6
I changed the fuel filter less than 2500 miles ago too. The old one came out with like a brown mud on the tank side but was good fuel on the engine side.
CF Veteran




Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 5,841
Likes: 117
From: In the middle of Minnesota!
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
You really need some data points here.
I'd start with a fuel pressure reading. Must use a gauge; no shortcuts. For a 96, you should hae 49 psi, plus or minus 5 psi. Yes, I know you tested your fuel pump and fuel filter but you need a fuel pressure reading anyways. This is a process of elimination.
Freshen all of your engine grounds while you have the hood up. A good thing to do as a matter of course.
I'd start with a fuel pressure reading. Must use a gauge; no shortcuts. For a 96, you should hae 49 psi, plus or minus 5 psi. Yes, I know you tested your fuel pump and fuel filter but you need a fuel pressure reading anyways. This is a process of elimination.
Freshen all of your engine grounds while you have the hood up. A good thing to do as a matter of course.
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