OK so my 94 ZJ automatic with 5.2L and about 220K on the clock. I have been having this issue the last couple days with it cranking roughly 7-9 seconds before ti starts (much longer then it should be).

If I just turn the key forward, wait for the pump to start, then off and back on it will fire RIGHT UP...

My question is sounds like my fuel system is losing its prime.. either an injector leaking down or a pump.

Is this a common problem? and if so what would be issue normally?

 

I'm not sure on your vehicle, but the symptoms you describe usually indicate a bad/leaking fuel pressure regulator letting the pressure bleed down. On your '94 5.2L the F.P. regulator can be replaced and is attached to the fuel rail. JMO
Dan

 

yeah thats what I figured.. so not leaking externally but internally right?

 

That's my guess. It's bleeding off pressure when sitting for an extended period.
Dan

 

gottcha.. yeah it does it even after sitting for an hour.

looks like about 60.00 I should change that, I wonder if that is hurting my gas mileage

 

It's possible the diaphragm is leaking and allowing fuel into the vacuum line. Some people pull the vacuum line at the regulator with the engine idling, and see if fuel comes out of the fitting. If so, there's your source of poor mileage as it's sucking in gas through the vacuum line.
Dan

 

pulled the line with it started and nothing...

seems like the key toggle is not helping it start fast anymore

 

Well it's not sucking gas through the diaphragm, so you might need to check the fuel pressure with it running to see if the regulator's maintaining the correct pressure. Too much pressure would cause poor mileage.
I don't know if you can install an adjustable regulator in case yours is bad, but it might be a cheaper alternative to the stock one. *
The one on my '97 is mounted on top of the tank.

*This thought is just an idea from my Turbo days. Don't mind me.
Dan

 

mine is on my fuel rail... and held down by a bracket..

 

I saw the pic in the manual. You're lucky if it needs replacing.
Dan

 

could be a check valve in the tank

 

is that IN the tank or somewhere external that can be accessed without dropping the tank??

 

well its in the tank in mine but i have a 4.0

 

Dealer came up snake eyes on a check valve in or by the tank/pump

I'm really starting to consider a new FPR

 

I hadn't heard of a check valve on my ZJ, but was waiting for any input on same.
I always thought the FPR was the check-valve per se on this vehicle?
Dan