So within the last month i have discovered that my xj isnt wanting to start as easily. i used to cycle the key 2 times and she would fire up and purr. now i cycle the key 2 times, crank for a good 5 count (or more depending on how long its sat) and she fires up like **** (belt usually squeaks too) and then smooths out to a purr. Whats going on????? cold fuel? clogged injector? bad pump?. i just put a new fuel filter in it too.

 

I would check the Battery first off , make sure its at optimal voltage ... next check fuel pressure on rail .... after that check your injectors and your spark... should be a strong blue spark

 

There isn't a fuel filter you can buy for the xj! You have to just change the pump if it goes bad! Start it up pop the hood and try to figure out what pulley is making the noise... Shut it off and check what ever pulley that seemed to be making the noise check for play... Check the belt to make sure it's not too loose... Press on it and it shouldn't go down further then half an inch. If I were you I'd just try spraying on some wd 40 some times that makes it go away!

 

Check the spark plugs wires distributor cap and rotor..

 

Even changing the ground wire to the starter is helpful mines like 4 Gage lol

 

Don't go getting into fule related issues right away it could be simpler then that start easy too hard

 

I dont know what year you got but I got a 1991 and mine has a fuel filter for sure because ive changed it... and if there was no "ground" it wouldnt start ... but theres 3 key elements to start the motor so fuel , air , spark ... id check um

 

When you check the battery there is a volt meter on your dash it should be at 14 lower then 13.5 = bad

 

Yeah dude of your ground is dirty it can cause hard start or no start 97+ probably for the fuel filter.. Also on the battery terminals make sure you Don't have a snow mountain lol

 

battery = 12 volts without motor running .... after car is running the alternator puts out a constant 14 volts ... so yes if the cars running the volt meter should be at 14...

 

Im not here to argue .... just want people to get helpfull information good luck with the issue bro...

 

Dude I'm a chick .. And I'm adding helpfully info too why don't you go ahead and tell him how to check the alternator!

 

Anything below 13.5 I'd get a new battery .. But check to make sure it's not the alternator! You've said basically the same thing as me dude!!! How long have you been a mechanic for?

 

Well dont tell people there is no FUEL FILTER on an XJ. There is. My 88 has one on the frame rail just in front of the drivers rear tire. (Inboard of the frame which is the side the drive shaft would be on.)

 

LOL @ you talking to yourself.

:P