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'92 VandenPlas Hard to Start

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J

JohnPal

Freshman Member
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Hello,

Vehicle: 1992 VandenPlas 4.0 Six cyl.

The car starts fine, even in the mornings when I start it every day. But, if I leave it parked for a few days, then it's very hard to start in the morning.

For example, I came home from work last Friday evening and parked it in my driveway. I did not start the car until Tuesday morning. It was very hard to get the engine fired up. Almost ran the battery down until it finally started.

I suspect it may be fuel pressure, so I started leaving the ignition on for a minute or so before cranking in order to build fuel pressure in the rail. This seems to work some times.

The fuel pump was replaced with an upgraded retrofit about 30K miles back.

Otherwise, the car runs fine.

Any suggestions appreciated.
 
Look for a faulty check valve in the fuel line.
 
Thanks for the suggestion. What's the purpose of the check valve? Keep fuel pressure from dropping? Also, any hints as to where it's located or what it looks like?

Thanks again.
 
Keeps the fuel from draining back into the tank.
 
My thinking cap is rusty...but I always thought the check valve was in the fuel pump proper. Have to go clean the rust out of my cap.
 
Series 1, 11 and 111, fuel injected, LU54739496, fits on pressure relief valve (XKs Unlimited)
 
It is called the non-return valve in Haynes. Anyone have photo of it in a series III? Can't seem to locate it. This would definitely contribute to hard starting if the whole system has to prime before every start.
 
Usually, there is enough time to charge the system....but on vehicles where we just changed the filter, for instance, you key on, listen for the pump, when it shuts off, key off, then on again, do that 3-4 times and it's primed.
 
TOC said:
Usually, there is enough time to charge the system....but on vehicles where we just changed the filter, for instance, you key on, listen for the pump, when it shuts off, key off, then on again, do that 3-4 times and it's primed.
Click to expand...

This should work. ISTR the pump is timed to run for only a few seconds at key turn. 3~4 "cycles" should have it pressurised sufficiently to start.
 
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