shellback91 2,315 Posted June 16 (edited) Howdy folks, I need some help. Betty Lou has had an intermittent starting issue/weirdness going on for a little while. I noticed it mainly happens after she sits for a bit, but I have not been tracking it religiously. As you see in the video sometimes it takes her a bit to get started. The engine turns over way more than the normal few cranks. If I let go of the key when this happens it keeps going until stops cranking. I was told this was normal. I do not hear any grinding or obnoxious noises coming from the starter. I tested the battery for grins and it is healthy. Any help is appreciated! Edited July 23 by shellback91 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Curly 1,319 Posted June 17 (edited) I'm getting a video not supported message so I cannot answer the question directly, but hard starting after sitting may be a bad fuel psi regulator. On a TJ it is located on top of the fuel pump on the tank, not sure about a JK. Edit: Got the video to play using another program. That sure sounds like a fuel psi issue to me. That is how Barbie acted with a bad regulator. Try turning the key on-wait 2 seconds,-off, repeat a couple of times. That will prime the fuel system and if it starts right up you know the problem is the regulator. Tim Edited June 17 by Curly more info 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shellback91 2,315 Posted June 17 13 hours ago, Curly said: I'm getting a video not supported message so I cannot answer the question directly, but hard starting after sitting may be a bad fuel psi regulator. On a TJ it is located on top of the fuel pump on the tank, not sure about a JK. Edit: Got the video to play using another program. That sure sounds like a fuel psi issue to me. That is how Barbie acted with a bad regulator. Try turning the key on-wait 2 seconds,-off, repeat a couple of times. That will prime the fuel system and if it starts right up you know the problem is the regulator. Tim Thanks Tim, I appreciate it! I was still researching the interwebs when I posted here and found a couple of things that line up with what you suggested. I tried the test this morning and she fired right up. Based on what I read the JK's have the regulator on the fuel rail. I'll start with getting that replaced as soon as I can and see how it goes. -Marty 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Curly 1,319 Posted June 17 There may be a regulator on the fuel rail, but the one you need to replace is in the tank. Google says its part of the pump assembly and not serviced separately. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shellback91 2,315 Posted June 17 Well crap, I had the fuel tank replaced a few years ago. I presumed they used all new everything. Time to give the pro's a call, this is above my pay-grade and more importantly my patience. 🤣 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shellback91 2,315 Posted July 23 An update from the front as they say. The issue has been figured out and solved thanks to Joe's crew Vince and Steve at @OnPointOffroad. Turns out it was the fuel pump failing. They replaced it and now we are back to a normal state. As painful as it is to part with my money I don't mind doing it there. I trust those guys to do honest work at a fair price. 3 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bradywgn71 1,017 Posted July 27 Our WJ just did this. Turned out to be the fuel filter that had a regulator inside. Now starts just like normal. We did buy the fuel pump just in case but so far don't need it. Glad you got yours figured out. Chris is still chasing the issue of it not wanting to accept fuel. It will only take a tiny trickle of fuel when we change altitude. super annoying and likely going to get to drop the fuel tank 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ladybug 705 Posted August 19 On 7/27/2026 at 3:39 PM, Bradywgn71 said: Our WJ just did this. Turned out to be the fuel filter that had a regulator inside. Now starts just like normal. We did buy the fuel pump just in case but so far don't need it. Glad you got yours figured out. Chris is still chasing the issue of it not wanting to accept fuel. It will only take a tiny trickle of fuel when we change altitude. super annoying and likely going to get to drop the fuel tank Does it happen at all the gas stations? This happened to me with my grand cherokee, and it was an issue with the Maverik station....not my car. smiles, ladybug Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bradywgn71 1,017 Posted August 19 (edited) 2 hours ago, Ladybug said: Does it happen at all the gas stations? This happened to me with my grand cherokee, and it was an issue with the Maverik station....not my car. smiles, ladybug Just when he changed altitude. Chris and a friend ended up taking off the heavy bumper and dropped the tank. Turned out that within the fuel tank there is a check valve for of the vehicle rolls over. This one was weak and closing when the change in altitude creates pressure. Chris created a new breather line (since we don't have emissions) and it's back to normal now. Also took the opportunity to change the original fuel pump too. One of the last original parts on our WJ. Edited August 19 by Bradywgn71 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
