1994 Jeep GC starts and sometimes does not start

[jeep_jeep]

Hello everyone,
My 1994 Jeep Grand cherokee started great but sometimes did not want to start. I would wait anywhere from 10-45 minutes and would give it another try and then it would start up. I took a mechanic (not the dealer) with a Sun machine and had the Jeep hooked up to it for diagnosis ($35). The machine spit out codes that mentioned a problem with the fuel pump and the cam sensor. I had the cam sensor replaced last year ($225). I was certain it could not be the sensor. The mechanic mentioned the fuel pump would cost $380 (outrageous price) + $165 (labor) + cam sensor ($225 installed). Huh, OUTRAGEOUS. And then he mentioned, let's replace the fuel filter while doing the above work. I really had to think about spending over $700 or cut my losses. I decided to start with the smallest repair, the fuel filter, to see what happens. I purchased a fuel filter for $14 and had it replaced. I had a different mechanic change out the filter for $10 labor. The problem was gone for less than $25. The fuel from the tank was not reaching the engine. It turns out the fuel filter was completely clogged. Incidently, you can test a fuel filter by blowing air (by mouth) thru the filter. If you cannot, then it is clogged and should be replaced. Also, it was forcing the fuel pump to work harder increasing the chances of failure. These filters need to be changed out certain intervals so check your owner's manual. If the problem had not worked, then the next repair would have been to replace the fuel pump located inside the tank. In regards, to the cost of the fuel pump which the mechanic had quoted ($380), I went to Ebay and saw brand new fuel pumps for $130 + s/h. So this is another place to check to save money should you need to pick up a fuel pump. It is hard to find a good and trustworthy mechanic. This forum is very resourceful in helping you find problems similar to yours. Good luck to all.