Twice now this week I've had a start issue that makes me wonder if it's a sign of something worse coming. The scenario has been the exact same both times. After 3-4 errand stops (which is unusual) (engine at peak running temp), I get to a stop and turn the engine off, and when trying to start 3-4 mins later it just cranks. The first time I cranked for 3-4 sec, rest for 10, crank for 5, rest for 10, then it started on the third try but didn't snap to a start like it normally does. The starter just spun the engine until it got up to idle and then the engine kept itself running. Same thing happened this second time except it took longer to start only coming to life on the 4th or 5th crank. Start motor seems to be working normally.

The second time I smelled a little gas after initially backing up. I'm not sure if there was a gas smell the first time it happened but it's possible. My only guess is that I was a little flooded both times. The engine's usually a great starter, but since this has happened twice in 3 days now, I'd like to start looking into possible causes before I end up getting stuck somewhere.

All fuel injectors are original at 230k miles with no cylinder misfires. Def want to replace them soon with some from K Suspension.

Any advice on what part to check / test? What to do if it happens again?

Thanks.

 

Classic hot-start fuel pump failure. It can't hold pressure when hot. Check fuel pressure with a gauge when it happens. If it acts up again, turn the key to 'on' and off a few times to prime the pump before cranking.

 

96 was a unique year for the XJ.
Some of my Cherokees had that symptom but from different causes. Fuel pressure regulator, crank position sensor, distributor sync pickup. All my Cherokees to date have been 85 to 95 model years.

Have you pulled the diagnose trouble codes yet to help narrow it down ?