[stratons_yj]

If my jeep sits for more than a couple hours she really doesnt want to start on the first crank.

So for the past couple days instead of just turning the key and waiting a second or two to start, I turn the key a couple of times (like 3-4 times) and hear the pump priming.

If I do that it starts right up.

I've heard that the fuel filter also acts as a regulator, maybe try that before investing in a fuel pump?

[stratons_yj]

Someone once told me to swap out the relay and see if that does anything....tried that and it didnt help

[jeep210]

There is a check valve in the pump assemby I believe, that keeps the fuel lines full. When the vehicle sits, the fuel lines drain. That is why you key trick works. Over a couple of times it primes the fuel system for starting.

Some have installed a check valve in the line and it seems to work.

[stratons_yj]

Is it kinda a rigged way to fix it?

[stratons_yj]

Anybody have any info or personal experience with an in-line check valve?

[ARJeepNerd]

I just finished going through this same thing. The problem will get worse over several weeks and eventually starting gets really hard, even with using the key to prime.

Replacing the regulator doesn't help. A quick drain-back (if you kill the motor hot and try to restart but get the no fuel problem) can be a regulator, but the characteristic slow drain is the fuel pump. No question. They redesigned the o-rings in later models, but my 04 still managed to shred the newer style.

Go ahead and get a fuel pump "assembly" to make it really easy- $220 or so at autozone. Comes with everything. Alternately, there is a TSB kit available from Dodge for about twenty bucks that comes with new o rings and directions, but you are probably going to need a new pump at some point before too long anyway- might as well replace it while it's apart.

Plan on a full day if you haven't done it before. You'll need metric hand tools, a nearly empty gas tank, and probably the help of a buddy to get it put back in. If you have any specific questions, feel free to PM me and I will try my best to help.

[stratons_yj]

so if I get a whole new fuel pump assembly with everything included in the kit it should eliminate my problem?

[ARJeepNerd]

Yes, 100%. Changed my pump assembly out and now it starts on the first crank, every time. Only other thing to check is to make sure your leakdown isn't on the top end of the motor- did you inspect your fuel rail and all your injectors to make sure nothing is seeping out of them? Good to look over them anyway. But the fuel pump is the common problem on these things- it's just a design flaw coupled with cheap rubber o-rings that weren't ozonated properly (Chinese manufacturing).

[rustyNtrusty]

go to auto zone and they can let you use a gauge in the parking lot to check the fuel pressure and they can look at the specs for the jeep and tell you what percentage the pump is running at. that way you have a little more reassurance before spending the money.

[ARJeepNerd]

The thing is, though, that the pump itself is still basically okay- the pump motor produces full volume and pressure, it's just that the pump o-rings don't hold backpressure and keep the system primed. A quick test like that won't verify this particular problem.

If you want to know for sure, first make sure you have a test port (my 04 didn't, apparently they wanted to make them harder to service ). Rent the fuel pressure tester, hook it up, and fire up the jeep. Shut off jeep. Take reading. Leave, return in 30 minutes, and see if you still have line pressure. If not, o-rings and drainback in the pump unit. Simple as that.

[jeep210]

Fuel pump replace.


Check valve install. See pic. page 2. Here

[rustyNtrusty]

^^^^ ahaaaa you present a pretty good point AR. hadn't thought of that.