Starting Issue

[Pohrem]

My 1999 Range 4.6 HSE starts great when it's cold (like first thing in the morning), but after it's warm, once the starter turns it over, it sounds like it's about to die out (stall), but just barely maintains its normal idle. Feels like it's struggling for something, but then gets what it needs and goes to a normal idle.

Also, it's flaky, as there are varying degrees of how well it starts, when the engine is warm, but always starts normally when cold.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[joey]

Depending on mileage and maintenance history which I don't see in this post, I would guess and say fuel pump is showing age.

 

[Pohrem]

Thanks for the reply.

Mileage is 145K and maintenance history is good. I've had it since 77K mileage and it's the same fuel pump. Just replaced the starter motor, as it was struggling, and it's fine.

 

[joey]

I would check the fuel pressure at the fuel rail, but also depending on last tune up, it could be simply bad plugs.

 

[Pohrem]

The fuel pressure checked out and I just had it tuned-up (plugs, wires, air filter, etc.), but I'm still experiencing the same issue. This only happens when the engine is hot - when cold, it sounds fine and never drops the idle when starting.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks.

 

[joey]

What was the pressure levels for fuel? How many PSI?

 

[Pohrem]

What was the pressure levels for fuel? How many PSI?

I'm not sure, as he didn't tell me. What should it be? Also, not to sound ignorant, but are there different levels with the engine off, while starting and while operating?

Also, I'm not sure, but what I experience this, I believe I detect a faint gas smell - like maybe when a car with a carb is flooded. Could this point to the "drippy" fuel injector previously mentioned?

Thanks, again.

 

[joey]

Here is a good post that might help

http://forums.landroverworld.org/showthread.php?t=18317&highlight=pressure

 

[Pohrem]

Here is a good post that might help

http://forums.landroverworld.org/showthread.php?t=18317&highlight=pressure

So, I tried the following:

- When the engine is warm and I experience the problem, I turned the ignition key to the "On" position, but stopped short of starting it. I left it there for a few seconds, then turned it over and it started fine. And does it (using this technique) every time, just like a normal start-up. My tech says this points to the fuel pump, even though he tested it and the pressure was within specs. Says he's seen fuel pumps that were bad (on other vehicles) which were within specs, but were still faulty.

What do you think?