01 xj 4x4. Runs smooth when I crank it up, I drive for a little bit. Shut it off, has a hard time starting again and runs like crap. But then it will run smooth again later?

 

Sounds like heat soak to me. Next time you start it up after running it, turn the key to run and you'll hear the fuel pump run. Once it shuts off start your Jeep. That may help but you might have to look into better cooling options. I've been trying to think of ways to insulate the connection between the fuel rail and the exhaust manifold. Not the best design decision.

 

It def sounds like heat soak to me. I would try some very well positioned heat shielding.

 

Heat soak on injector # 3. Wrap with a heat shield tape or get the heat shield from the dealer. There is a service bulletin for this specific issue.

 

Thanks for the help. It was 30° hotter than the rest