GlassBullies

Hello everyone, first time poster here.
I have a 1994 Grand Cherokee Laredo with the inline 6. Until recently it has had zero issues but lately when I go to start it, it behaves like there is no fuel. After the second or third try it will run for a few seconds and die, finally it will start up and have no issues for the remainder of the day. I have had the fuel pressure checked, and had the fuel filter replaced. I also tuned it up with new plugs, wires, cap/rotor/sensor and coil. When I first turn the ignition on, I can hear the fuel pump spin up then stop just as it always has, but it will take 3 or 4 tries to get it steadily running. There is no fuel smell from the exhaust and when the cylinders are firing, they are smooth.
Possibly a relay or?

Thank you all very much.

Jim Malcolm

Sounds like the Check Valve, which is built into the pump unfortunately, is allowing the fuel to drain back into the tank. You can add an inline version between the pump and the filter to help with the starting issue, but it won't help the pump much. It'll still run dry if you let the fuel level drop low enough, so keep 'er filled up and plan on a a pump replacement in the near future, assuming that's the issue of course...

It should be fairly easy to check with a fuel pressure gauge. If the Check Valve is working correctly, it build pressure almost immediately upon turning the key on and will hold that pressure for quite a while. It sounds like yours isn't too horrible, holding pressure for at least long enough to get you through the rest of the day, so test it first thing, when you'd normally have issues...