Every time I start my TJ, unless I've been sitting less than five minutes or so, it will just turn over and over the first try - no matter how long I let it go. It usually takes two, sometimes three times to actually start. I'll turn it over for a few seconds, turn the key back. Repeat, and usually the second or third time, but it starts right up. Has never taken four tries, has never failed to start. started once on the first try - only once. It was cold, early in the morning and about 8700 ft elevation.

Any clues? The former owner said it had done that for a long time.

My XJ did a similar thing, it would only start up easily when it was really cold. It turned out to be the battery cables.

Try this: Turn your key on but dont crank the motor listen for the fuel pump to turn on. Wait about 10 sec and repeat 2-3 times. If that works without cranking the engine you have a fuel pressure leak and you have to pump pressure in the line by turning it on and off a couple of times.

From what i understand is that all computer controlled cars will shut off the fuel pump if the engine does not start with in two seconds. That may be why it does not start no matter how long you crank the engine but work after 2-3 tries

This happened on our Grand. There is a check valve in the fuel pump that maintains the pressure in the system. When it goes bad, it takes about 10 seconds for the Jeep to start. The fix is to drop the tank and replace the whole fuel pump assembly.

Thanks guys - looks like the check valve is the culprit. I tried the igition on/off procedure for the last 4 or 5 cold starts and it worked every time.

Has the check valve failed completely at this point? If not, when it does, will it fail to deliver fuel at all?

Next question: what are the cons of a fuel cell / relocation to the tub? Street legal? Fumes issues? I'm thinking the extra clearance would be nice, plus I could go with a larger tank. If this isn't a good idea, then what about a tank conversion in the original locaiton - tougher tank, a little bigger maybe?

Thanks!