My '88 Cherokee 4.0 is real hard to start first thing. It turns over solid and runs good once it's going but struggles first start of the day. Haven't had it long and still getting familiar so I am just looking for ideas. It tries to start but won't quite catch, kind of concerning to me. Any suggestions appreciated.

 

Check the fuel pressure on the valve on the fuel rail. You can rent a fuel pressure tester from an auto parts store if you don't have one.

Also do a few primes.....turn the key until the fuel pump runs. Turn off. Turn the key until the fuel pump runs. Turn off. Do it once more and try to start the jeep. See if it starts easier. You can do that until you get a tester just to see what that does.

 

Thanks so much! I will do that and check into it on my next t days off.

 

I was coming here to post about the same issue so I'll just jump on this thread:
- 88' 4.0, hard to start first thing in the morning, but once it does it's pretty good for most of the day so long as it doesn't sit for say 6+ hrs.
- Stalls sometimes when idling. Happened to me today rolling out of a parking garage. Car shuts off but will start right back up with barely any hesitation. If you keep an accessory running like the heater it will keep the Jeep at high enough RPM where it wont stall.
- Sometimes a stutter like it's going to stall when you go to accelerate, but then launches and acts otherwise normal.

So far I've:
-Checked the TPS, which was dialed in perfectly to 17%.
-Cleaned the IAC and the throttle body
-Replace spark plugs, cap & rotor, as well as wires.
-Checked and cleared out the air filter.

The above has helped overall with how the vehicle runs but still has not completely remedied the issue