chico

I have a98 sport 4.0. 102xxx miles in the morning it turns over 5 to 10 seconds before starting then after going somewhere and coming out after an hour or so it does the same thing but runs rough for about 2 seconds. besides that it runs like a V8, pulls hard to max RPMs. its had crank sensor replaced and is serviced every 3000 miles. Any thoughts on this problem will help. Thanks, chico

UPjeep

Fuel pump going bad.not a fun job!

Timber Wolf

How does the cap and rotor look? I had the same problem with my 91'. Cap and rotor were bunk. Tune-up and she starts right up.

chico

Thanks, had the pump pressure checked. I have had cap and roto changed in a while, I'll try it. Thanks again, chico

trans_am7935

you need to check the pressure at the fuel rail before you start the car. get a gauge and turn the jeep to the on position but don't start it, then if you have less then 30psi then you have either a bad fuel pump or bad fuel pressure regulator. i dont know how the 97 and later fuel rails are set up, but if you have a vacuum line going to your regulator on your fuel rail, make sure it doesn't have fuel on it, if it does, replace it.

BuckB91XJ

chico, your problem is quite simple actually. I had the same issue with my 91 awhile back. There is a one way check valve in the fule pump that keeps fuel in the fuel line and fuel injection rail after you shut the engine off. To aid in easy starting the next time. When that check valve goes bad, like mine did and yours apparently has...the fuel in the rail and lines drains back to the tank everytime you shut the engine off and the jeep sits for more than a few minutes. This is what is causing your extended cranking before starting. The good news is that your jeep will run fine. The bad news is the only way to fix this problem is to replace the fuel pump.