Ignition Question....
 

I read on another thread a bit ago that 3-4 seconds cranking is fairly normal for the 4.0 I6--is this really true?

My 2000 Cherokee (67,000 miles) does in fact crank from 2-4 secs before starting periodically. Most of the time, it starts right up, but at some times, 2 or 3 turns of the key is necessary.

Is this normal and no big deal, or, should I be looking for a "higher voltage coil" or something? I can't imagine a new coil is in order! Perhaps a plug issue?? I'm sure these are the original plugs, but most plugs are designed for 100K or more???

Thanks all!!

Dan

This may be a fuel problem. When you turn the key on the fuel pump runs for a few seconds to pressurize the fuel lines. It may be that you are getting low pressure and it takes a few turns of the key to get the fuel pressurized. You can hear the pump run, in the tank, when you turn the key on.

The two main issues are no ignition= no spark or low or no fuel.

You can remove the plugs and look at the tip to see if they are firing normal. Also, you can open the distributor and look for erosion or carbon tracking. Look at the condition of the rotor.

Just monitor this and see if it gets worse with time.

Thanks ET,

However, I do not have a distributor--it's a coil, so not so easy to determine condition of plugs....

Does the coil pack come into question?

Thanks,

Dan

Coil Pack? You take them off to get to your plugs and just because they say they're good for 100K doesn't mean they will. Put fresh ones in. About $15 and a hour of your time. Could fix it. Got Bosch Platinums in my 98 and it starts FAST.

its normal for a cherokee. its the check valve letting gas seep back through the lines into the tank. at least half of my friends with cherokees have this issue, and its really not worth the pain to fix when you can either crank it longer or leave the key in the 'on' position w/o cranking for a few seconds.

OK--thanks. I guess that's what I was looking for....it's pretty normal, I can leave key in the "On" position for a few seconds if needed, and, if it gets bad, the fix maybe a very inexpensive and easy one.

Thanks guys!

Dan