Hi, about a month ago my 97 TJ would not start all of a sudden, no prior symptoms. My mechanic found the fuel pump was bad and replaced it (Delphi).
After fuel pump replacement Jeep runs fine but has developed a weird starting issue: starts right away on the first crank in the morning but after that takes 2-3 cranks to start. Will also start fine if I cycle the key several times. Otherwise the engine is running smoothly and no other issues.
My feeling is the check valve in new fuel pump is bad. I had somewhat similar issue a few years ago when I first got the Jeep and hard start went away with new pump.
My mechanic is not sure and understandably reluctant to drop the tank again. He wants me to take to dealer for diagnostic and will replace pump if that's the dealer's determination.
Mechanic thinks it could be leaky fuel injectors but says he doesn't have the right equipment to test injectors for leaks.
This is his reasoning for leaky injectors causing hard start:
"Not bad injectors leaking injectors possibly. When the car is off the check valve keeps pressure on the system so when you turn the key it starts right up. If the injectors are leaking the pressure will drop causing a prolong start."
He also says "I dont have set up for that on this manufacturer. Plus like I texted earlier somthinng weird is going on at the rail testing port. It reads no pressure while the car is running and no pressure when the car is off. Tested it with 2 different guagues."
I'm going to bite the bullet and take in to dealer for diagnostic. Mechanic unfortunately is friend of family so don't want to keep pressing him.
Sorry for the length of the post, but thought it would be helpful if I gave as much info upfront.
Would really appreciate any thoughts on this. Thanks!
After fuel pump replacement Jeep runs fine but has developed a weird starting issue: starts right away on the first crank in the morning but after that takes 2-3 cranks to start. Will also start fine if I cycle the key several times. Otherwise the engine is running smoothly and no other issues.
My feeling is the check valve in new fuel pump is bad. I had somewhat similar issue a few years ago when I first got the Jeep and hard start went away with new pump.
My mechanic is not sure and understandably reluctant to drop the tank again. He wants me to take to dealer for diagnostic and will replace pump if that's the dealer's determination.
Mechanic thinks it could be leaky fuel injectors but says he doesn't have the right equipment to test injectors for leaks.
This is his reasoning for leaky injectors causing hard start:
"Not bad injectors leaking injectors possibly. When the car is off the check valve keeps pressure on the system so when you turn the key it starts right up. If the injectors are leaking the pressure will drop causing a prolong start."
He also says "I dont have set up for that on this manufacturer. Plus like I texted earlier somthinng weird is going on at the rail testing port. It reads no pressure while the car is running and no pressure when the car is off. Tested it with 2 different guagues."
I'm going to bite the bullet and take in to dealer for diagnostic. Mechanic unfortunately is friend of family so don't want to keep pressing him.
Sorry for the length of the post, but thought it would be helpful if I gave as much info upfront.
Would really appreciate any thoughts on this. Thanks!
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