1999 Cherokee Sport long cold start

[LMJS]

I read the thread about long cranking on cold start. My problem is an overnight or long sit start takes a lot of cranking. I have also noticed the temp guage reads slightly warmer than could be considered normal when the vehicle is at operating temp. I have heard the timing is set at the factory and cannot be re-set. Is this true? My ignition system is fine.
It seems (well at least to an amateur like me) that the long crank could be timing related and hence the slightly warmer operating temp due to slightly retarded timing.
Any thoughts? or help? I usually have to crank the engine for about 3 secs. and then turn key off and then crank for another 2 to 3 secs and it will start.
Drives my wife nuts, I have learned to live with it.

[AlohaBra]

Originally Posted by LMJS

I read the thread about long cranking on cold start. My problem is an overnight or long sit start takes a lot of cranking. I have also noticed the temp guage reads slightly warmer than could be considered normal when the vehicle is at operating temp. I have heard the timing is set at the factory and cannot be re-set. Is this true? My ignition system is fine.
It seems (well at least to an amateur like me) that the long crank could be timing related and hence the slightly warmer operating temp due to slightly retarded timing.
Any thoughts? or help? I usually have to crank the engine for about 3 secs. and then turn key off and then crank for another 2 to 3 secs and it will start.
Drives my wife nuts, I have learned to live with it.

Probably loss of fuel pressure. Turn the key on and wait...listen for fuel pump to stop pumping...Turn off AC....then use the starter.

I have a 97 4.0L with 124K on it and that is what I do. To fix it right you have to put in a new fuel pump so the check valve does not bleed down during extended parking periods. Fuel injection requires a fully pressurized fuel rail to start feeding during the startup process.
When parked, your fuel pressure is bleeding down.