starting issue

89SAFARIXJ · 09-14-2008, 10:39 PM

it takes about 5 seconds atleast after i turn the key in my xj for the rig to actually start. it just turns over and over and over...... ..... ... .. ...and then it starts.

everybody says, "it's just old."

well i dont like having to worry if it will start everytime i turn the key. and i figure there is something i can do to make it turn for less then a second and BAM start just like that.

starter?
plugs?
wires?

there has to be something. anybody have this problem or have any suggestions?

dcorn · 09-14-2008, 11:54 PM

Do the whole upgrade kit. Summit sells an Accel kit that has a cap, rotor, plugs and wires. It's only 60 bucks and couldn't hurt.

89SAFARIXJ · 09-15-2008, 01:03 AM

thanks man im sure it needs something like that since its an 89. i will have to check that out.

people say it cant be the starter. just wondering, could the starter have anything to do with it in your opinion?

dcorn · 09-15-2008, 05:37 AM

If it hasn't ever been replaced, it could help, but I've heard the long start is a common issue with Jeeps.

kadetklapp · 09-15-2008, 07:40 AM

If the starter is turning the motor over with out a problem, then it's fine. The starter has nothing to do with ignition.

The problem you have is either ignition or fuel. I'd check fuel pressure as well as spark. On an old Renix XJ I'd suggest R&R'ing your distributor cap and rotor, plugs, wires, and check your coil for corrosion (coils seem to be a weak point on the old 4.0s).

**edit

If your motor is cranking SLOWLY and that's why it's taking so long to catch then it could be the starter, or perhaps a weak battery.

**tjwalker** · 09-15-2008, 07:47 AM

Renix model XJs by design do have a longer crank time than later model ones but I don't know if it is 5 seconds or not. Somebody else should chime in on that.

Generically speaking, long crank times are often tied to a loss of fuel pressure at the fuel rail; thus it takes the cranking to build up enough pressure to start. If you are concerned about this, I would conduct some fuel pressure testing, both running and not running (dynamic/static) and compare your results to factory spec.

Your symptoms do NOT point to a starter or starting circuit problem of any kind.

Good Luck!

scupking · 09-15-2008, 11:52 AM

Dose it start fast the rest of the day? Mine dose the long crank first start of the day. Everyone I talked to said don't worry about it, it's a jeep thing.

123mylesl · 09-15-2008, 09:36 PM

Before you purchase anything check to make sure the distributor cap is not loose, if it is tighten the screws back up. A loose distributor cap throws the timing off. If not this purchase the accel kit

89SAFARIXJ · 09-15-2008, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scupking

Dose it start fast the rest of the day? Mine dose the long crank first start of the day. Everyone I talked to said don't worry about it, it's a jeep thing.

its starts slow all day...

lifted89xj · 09-15-2008, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjwalker

Renix model XJs by design do have a longer crank time than later model ones but I don't know if it is 5 seconds or not. Somebody else should chime in on that.

Generically speaking, long crank times are often tied to a loss of fuel pressure at the fuel rail; thus it takes the cranking to build up enough pressure to start. If you are concerned about this, I would conduct some fuel pressure testing, both running and not running (dynamic/static) and compare your results to factory spec.

Your symptoms do NOT point to a starter or starting circuit problem of any kind.

Good Luck!

my jeep does that u crank and it wont start then you try again then touch the gas pedal then it fires up. yes its fuel injected.