evil_goat

I was adjusting the belt tension and power steering pulley to try to stop the belt from squeaking, and I started the jeep to test it, and it sounded weird when I started it. Then the engine sounded like it was dying, and the exhaust was coming out in bursts. Then the engine died. I tried starting it again, and it also died again. At first, I thought I ran out of gas, and put 2-3 more gallons in. However, it starts up halfway and immediately shuts of. I attached an audio clip that might help. I keep trying to start it while pressing the pedal, but it still doesn't start.

Please help!

evil_goat

Also, the year is 1991. The car has been sitting a while, and a couple of weeks ago, I charged up the battery and cleaned the battery connectors to make it start. It worked fine and I drove it 10 times on different days on a dirt road and a total of 7 miles. Also it seemed to take about 2-3 seconds to start when it was working, but that may be normal

lawsoncl

Fuel pump ballast resistor? White ceramic thing on the drivers fender. You can jumper across it to test, and even leave it jumper permanently. It's just there to reduce the voltage to the pump to reduce noise after the engine is started. It gets bypassed when you run the starter, so if it's broken or the connectors corroded the usual symptom is dying shortly after starting. Can also be a symptom of a weak pump that needs full voltage all the time.

evil_goat

When I press a screwdriver to the pressure release valve, air hissed out. When I attempted to start the car again, nothing came out. Was I supposed to be pressing the valve down while the car is being started? Because I did not do that.

Roler

You mean the schrader valve on the fuel line?

evil_goat

yeah, isnt gas supposed to come out?

Roler

Once you primed the pump, yes.
Try this: whilst listening to what is coming from the rear of the Jeep, turn the key to On/Run position (NOT start): do you hear fuel pump running in the rear of the vehicle priming for 1-2 seconds and then shutting off again? If not: its not working correctly, if yes > see below

Cycle the key to the On/Run position (NOT start) , hold for a second there and repeat this about 3-4 times. Now try starting. Does it now start better?

evil_goat

I can hear the pump making a noise, but after priming, it still doesnt start, and isnt any better either.

Roler

Ok. Keep in mind there are a few things that can cause this. So you will have to be patient, as you trouble shoot (if you're willing to)

I would verify fuel pressure at the rail with a gauge now and see if it's within specs.
'91 have fuel filters if I recall correctly. Remind me of that later.

Chick-N-Picker

Pour a little gas (2 or 3 oz) in thd throttle body and see if it starts. I ran out of gas the other week and was sitting at angle. It would not start no matter how much I primed the pump. All in all poured over 1/8th of a tank of gas in it. Still never started. Did know what the eff could be wrong. As a last resort I poured 2 to 3 oz in the throttle body and it started up immediately.

I guess maybe the angle it was sitting at gravity would not let it pick the fuel up or something. Worth a chance for you I suppose.

evil_goat

Welp, this morning I put in a bunch more gas. (there was at least three gallons already in the tank), and it started right up. So... Since I have been cranking the engine many times without it starting, is my fuel pump going to go bad?

Roler

As I suggested as next step, see above: verify fuel pressure on the rail