Hard Starting
 

Hi all- Recent problem starting the Jag. It turns over and seems to run for less than a second then dies, this happens two times, then starts normally and runs perfectly thereafter. Weather has changed a bit in the past weeks but never had this problem before. I go through this process each morning any place to look? Thanks.


PS- Runs perfectly, no other problems and 50k miles on her.

Fuel pump, fuel filter. Wouldn't hurt to replace the fuel filter. Has it been sitting a while ? Only 50K miles, you might need to drive it some more, or add a fuel system cleaner like BG44. Or give the MAF and throttle body a cleaning. Just make sure to use the correct cleaners.

Tensioners changed? Might need new plugs, as well: 17 years is a long time. In addition to what Jim mentioned above.

Tensioners and plugs changed last year. Maybe fuel filter...thanks guys.

That's good news. I would definitely buy some MAF sensor cleaner and throttle cleaner. Cleaning the MAF is pretty straight forward (Google for a YouTube); throttle bore and plate cleaning is a little harder. Also might clean the part load breather -- be very careful with depth and size of drill bit used to clean it (lots of threads -- Google search).

Thanks Jim. Question though. If my fuel pump or even the filter is clogged, MAF and breather, why would the car run great all day? Including starting multi times per day. Just wondering...it has gotten worse each day. Thanks so much.

Coolant temperature sensor?

If it's bad it will send the wrong amount of fuel when the engine is cold, i think.

That just might be the problem: especially now that it is getting colder (more so in Idaho than here in SE Virginia and NC where it is 80* today). Do you still have the original plastic cross over pipe -- that is where the sensor is located -- if so, might be a good time to get a new one with a new sensor attached (bought mine from Welsh, but many suppliers).

I think I would still clean the MAF, throttle bore/plate, and part load breather.

Will do the cleaning...also thanks Harvest will check it out.

There is a thanks button.

Oops, forgot my manners. Thanks button used. Suggestion on fuel filter, direct fit. Promise to thank this time.

Update. Car stalled today going down a hill. Got home and noticed lots of oil in the part load breather, air box, and into the tube running towards the throttle body. I have replaced the part load breather, looks like the orange seal or rings are crushed. Also appears there should be some filter of some sort between the cam cover and the part load breather. I will clean the parts bt not likely going to solve the heavy oil problem. Thoughts? Thanks

There should be a wire mesh like heavy steel wool and a metal retainer plate inside the cam cover. There have been a couple instances of those parts reported missing.

RJ- I do recall seeing (I think) that setup with the mesh during the tensioner replacement...however looking down now from the outlet from the breather, I don't see any mesh at all. Could I ball up some steel wool and push into the area, of course not to far as to drop down all the way. Possible?

That idea makes me nervous. If it ever fell in it might cause big trouble. But what happened to the original? Maybe it's time to take the cam cover off.

Copy that. Cover coming off.

MAF and TB cleaned, also installed new coolant temp sensor. No improvement.

Bad MAF?

smtguy- Thank you. Me think too. I will replace the fuel filter and see if that helps, then to the MAF.

My fuel trims were a bit off and the engine would hesitate slightly on the interstate. My MPG was also averaging slightly lower than usual. According to a professional scan tool my MAF was reading "a little high", to quote the mechanic. But, he said it did not need replacing.

I picked a MAF up at a salvage yard and now fuel trims are perfect, mileage went back to normal and no hesitations.

I share this only to convey how difficult it can be to diagnose an inaccurate MAF.

Good luck.