XJ starting up shaky

[Spaz_Soldier]

I just bought a 1990 XJ and whenever I start it up, it turns over and over. I have to try, like, three times, pumping the gas, before she starts up. What's the deal?

[daddyfitz]

wish i knew cause i've been having the same probs with my 03 tj with the 4.0 i've heard everything from the fuel filter to the line not maintaining the right pressure throughout. i even thought that it could be bad gas but i'm sure i would've worked the bad stuff out by now. it's been monthes. on mine you have to pull the tank to get to the pump and filter. the price runs bout 250 for the pump with filter assy. if i remember right. not sure i've been much help but i will be following closely so i can get an answer and put in my $0.02

[trailsnail]

Try starting with the simple stuff first, plugs, wires, distributor,etc. You can pull them and see if they look good or not. Then I would say to check the air filter. You can pull the air filter and try to start it, that might help if the plugs are good. If you have good spark and good air, then it could be the fuel injectors. This is of course if your fuel filter is good. If it runs good after it is started, this is what I would check, but I'm only shady tree.

[miljeep]

Have you tried to check for an error code?

[05warrior]

weak battery?

[irish1371]

try turning the key to ON for 10 seconds before turning the key to start. IF it starts right up then your loosing your fuel back into the tank, there is a check valve (on the end of the fuel rail?? i think) that stops this fuel from going back to the tank