3.3 intermittant start problem

I've replaced the ASD and fuel pump (and ASD) relays and also the
coolant temperature sensor but the problem is still there. The van will
crank but not start, usually in the morning. I have to turn the ignition
completely off and then start it again. It usually starts then. Don't know
what else to check. Both the fuel rail and fuel pump were replaced this
summer. Although the problem began before I replaced both. (The rail was
leaking and I thought this might be causing the problem, but after replacing
the rail, the problem was still there)

Any other ideas are welcomed. Could it be the ECM ? Might have to take it
in and get it diagnosed, but was trying to trouble shoot it myself.

Thanks,
Nick

 

what yr?

 

Sorry, it's a 1993 3.3 Dodge Grand Caravan.

Nick

 

When you had the fuel pump replaced, did you replace the complete fuel pump
module with check valve and all or did you go after market and just get the
pump?

 

It went out on the way home from vacation this summer in North Carolina.
Had it towed to a dealer and they replaced it along with the fuel filter and
some kit they said I needed that goes along with the pump.

 

The kit was a wire harness for the pump since it was an updated part, It
could be an injector leaking down, but if that were the case you may get
hard start when hot also, Does that happen?, and have you connected a fuel
gauge to see if the fuel pressure bleeds off when the key is off

 

Thanks for the response. Usually, after it starts, it's good for the whole
day, so starting when warm or after the two key on's is not a problem. I
did notice that the fuel pressure doesn't appear to be as strong as when the
key is on. I checked this, although not with a pressure gauge. I depressed
the fuel pressure check valve on the fuel rail. The pressure is definitely
not as strong as with the key on. I'll check it with a pressure gauge next.
But, with the key on, shouldn't the pressure build and then it should start
? I'm puzzled why I need to turn the ignition completely off and then back
on to get it to start. Anything else that you can think of for me to check
?

thanks again,
Nick

 

The fuel should always be at the injectors with slight pressure so that when
you turn the key on it sprays right away. if the fuel drains all the way
back to the tank, you only have 3 seconds of the asd relay to start the
engine. by cycling the key off and on again. you have another 3 seconds,
Normally by that time a good pump will have fuel at the injectors waiting to
spray.
The next time you try to start the engine cold try this, turn the key on and
wait 3 seconds, then off, then on again for three seconds, then off, then
try to start the engine, if it starts on the first try, you know that the
fuel pressure is draining back

 

ok, thanks, I'll give it a try. If the fuel is draining back, what would I
need to check ? I don't smell any fuel, so I don't think there is a leak.
I feel like I'm on the right track and thanks for your help. It'll be nice
if I can resolve this problem.

thanks again,
Nick

 

It could be draining down thru a leaky injector, if you live in a cold
climate area you may not notice a problem from a flooded cylinder becuase
it needs that extra fuel to start the engine, thats why i asked earlier,
at least i thought i asked, about how does the engine start after a hot
soak

 

Engine starts better in the warmer weather. Seems the problem gets worse
the colder it gets. That's why some thought it might be the coolant
temperature sensor. Any way to check for those leaky injectors ?

I tried the key-on's 3 times that maxpower suggested, but that didn't make a
difference. Alldata says the fuel pressure should 53 with the key on and
around 48 with it off. So I think I'll get the fuel pressure gauge and test
it.

Keep coming with the suggestions, we might be narrowing it down.

thanks,
Nick

 

you are limited with certain tools to check it with, I mean a fuel pressure
tester would be your first tool to verify leak down, to find out if an
injector is leaking you could use an emission analyzer for excessive
hydrocarbons, or pull the rail up and verify they are not leaking that way