Got a 2000 s-type with the 4.0. Its very hard to start but once started it runs perfect,no missing at all and accelerates pretty strong. But the longer it sits not started the harder it is to start. BTW it does not blow smoke out the exhaust. I ran a obd scanner and it didn't come up with any codes (dtc ).

Any ideals? Help on this would be appreciated

 

Add a can of BG44K to your gas and see if starting improves you may also need to clean the throttle body or plugs.

 

Hi Gus.

I should of added that the idle is very smooth. I put a full glass of water setting on top of the engine and it barely made a ripple. I do have to say I'm very impressed with how smooth the 4.0 runs. And I will try some of that BG44K tomorrow

 

Give it a try first! You should notice an improvement within 50mi.

 

For some quick troubleshooting, when you first try to start, hold the key in the ON position for about 5 seconds before turning the key to START.

My hunch is fuel pressure is not building up adequately if you engage the starter right away. Possible causes would be a weak pump or partially clogged filter. Another possibility is a leaking injector or pressure regulator letting residual pressure bleed off, so it takes more time to reach normal pressure.

You can quickly rule out those potential problems by letting the fuel pump run briefly before engaging the starter. Doesn't cost a thing to try.

 

Hi,

It does sound like fuel pressure bleed off.

Are there any signs of moisture / wetness around any of the injectors or their "plumbing"? Bear in mind that petrol will evaporate pretty quickly.

Thanks
Mike

 

It could be fuel pressure bleed off and I am not ruling it out but want to take baby steps first. If it is an injector the BG44K could free it up. If bleed off is a problem or a clogged filter a fuel pressure gauge should see it.

 

To check for low fuel pressure when starting. Cycle the key several times on and off before cranking the engine. The fuel pump runs for a short fixed period of time when starting and does not look at the fuel pressure.

But just turning the key on and leaving it will only give you one short fixed cycle and you need it to pump up several times for full pressure.

How many miles?
Have you done a compression test?
Has the fuel Filter been changed?
.
.
.

 

Thanks so much for all the suggestions. I did go down and buy that additive and bought a fuel pressure gauge. But cant try it till tonight .

The engine has 69,000 miles on it. No fuel leaks around the injectors. And it runs fine up to the redline. Because it is hard to start after it sits , (the longer it sits the longer it takes to start) I will try the suggestions here.It does make sense that some how the fuel pressure is leaking down or a injector is leaking.

Thanks so much for all the suggestions, I will check the fuel pressure and leak down first.....thanks again

 

I am not suggesting that what you got is less than adequate but BG44K is in my opinion the best product on the market. It is around $20+ and is available at dealership and several shops and is used by Jaguar.

 

Hi, Gus

I did actually buy a can of the BG44K.. I do thank-you for suggesting that particular one. They have so many on the market , it gets a little confusing.

 

+1 on failing fuel pump. Had same symptoms on my car until one day - no start at all. I would change out your fuel filter first to see if that helps. When changing the fuel filter if you see brown brackish colored gas coming out of the filter - this is a tell tale sign of a failing fuel pump as well.

I would change out the fuel filter before adding the BG44K. If no changes are realized - then plan on changing out your fuel pump in the very near future.

 

Well it did turn out to be the fuel pump. All though the pump is running I only get 20psi at the rail. And this is after I changed the tank and main fuel filter. Never ran into a pump that runs but can't put out the pressure. Has anybody ran into that pump wise?

 

Replace the pump and install the BG44K and you will be a happy camper!

 

Yes , I'm a happy camper. Runs just fine now...thanks to all that responded with suggestions

 

Glad it's sorted.

Well done!

Mike