'98 minor starting issue - Great Lakes XJ

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Date: Jul 5, 2011

'98 minor starting issue	Permalink

Guys, I have a minor issue with my '98 Classic that has me perplexed and maybe someone has some knowledge of what is going on. Out of the four we have owned or own, I have never dealt with this issue before. What it does is when it is cold or has been sitting for, say, at least 30 minutes or so, it will crank ok and wants to start with the first turn of the key, but will not. The second attempt, it starts on the second crank and runs smoothly. If the engine has just been shut off, it hits right away and smoothly also on the first try. It just seems to be when it has been sitting. I can fake it by turning the key to "ON" and off again and then starting it or by leaving the ignition on for a few seconds before cranking, like how you are supposed to start a diesel. If it's the first drive of the day, even with doing it this way, it takes a bunch of cranks for it to start the first time. There are no MILs, the engine runs perfectly, and there are no other problems anywhere. When I plug my Innova in it, it says there is nothing amiss. The XJ has 164,000 on it. Could this be an issue with the fuel pressure regulator? I'm not convinced that it has anything to do with the fuel pump. __________________ We own two. Do you?

aci4369

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Date: Jul 6, 2011

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If it were me, do you know the last time that the plugs, wires and destributor was changed? I would change them or check the gapping on the plugs first.

I know that my work car does this too. I have taken it to our mechanic and he told me that some cars do it with miles and it is nothing to worry about... I don't know how much of that is true, and how much is just lazyness. Just thought I would mention it. My work car has 108k on it.

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AlanB

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Date: Jul 10, 2011

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Just a thought but with 164000 on it you might do a compression check. I know these engines last forever but it wouldnt hurt. Mabye do one cold and then after it has been run. Im betting you will see a big change between the readings. Not that you have a problem just normal expansion of metal after heating... __________________

slvmart

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Date: Jul 11, 2011

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Have you tried a fuel pressure check and checked ignition, when cold and then when you have the problem ? This sort of reminds me of what the old FSJ's with the Ford electronic ignitions (early 80's) used to do. That used to be a ignition module problem and the problem drove me nuts for a while when I experienced it until I got to the bottom of it. I swapped all sorts of parts in an attempt to fix it before I hit upon what was really wrong.

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PennsylvaniaXJ

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Date: Jul 11, 2011

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I appreciate the suggestions. Still, I don't believe that compression has anything to do with this. The engine is too strong both cold and hot for that to be an issue anyway.

Checking fuel pressure is on my list. The ignition thing makes sense, but finding the culprit module or system may be a bit more involved with especially nowhere to start. I'm very familiar with the early Ford electronic ignition modules. When they worked properly, they were good devices, but they did have an occasional tendency to malfunction. I had one in a '79 LTD that decided to short and stop operating at any speed suddenly and would only restart 30 seconds later. That was real fun when it happened to me passing on an expressway once. Problem with the comparison is that the ignition modules were the only electronic component in the engine back then. More complicated isn't always better.

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ChevelleSSLS6

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Date: Jul 18, 2011

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I'm sure you'll find the XJ a pretty simple vehicle to work on. I don't even need a jack/lift/ramps to do an oil change! (stock height, and lifted a little makes it even easier) The most difficult thing I ever had to do is the CPS. If you ever have to replace a crankshaft position sensor, get a few 'swivels' and extensions from Sears, it makes the job go a lot easier!

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Topic: '98 minor starting issue