Longer than usual cranking in FJ

AbuPhampi · Post by **AbuPhampi** » Sun Jun 26, 2016 9:19 pm

Hello,

The FJ takes longer than usual cranking to start, only under specific circunstances...

Morning start 7-8am (covered parking, but still kind of exposed to heat) is 100% OK (1-2 cranks)

After usual commuting and sitting for a while (i.e. park outside at work or mall) lets say it needs a longer cranking (let's say 7-8 cranks, and also seems to release a bit of black smoke from exhaust).

Once it starts all seems good and rides smooth. And would allow for multiple restarts at normal cranking duration again.

Any guess on the root cause and how to narrow it down? (fuel pump, injectors, filters, maybe a sensor...?)

Off course for the dealership says all is OK

but I like to have a better maintenance than the one they think they provide.

Any input will help, thanks!

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Ray1 · Post by **Ray1** » Sun Jun 26, 2016 9:32 pm

Battery is ok?

AbuPhampi · Post by **AbuPhampi** » Sun Jun 26, 2016 9:37 pm

Txs Ray.

In theory yes, as I did a full test and also cleaned connections when the "problem" started, nothing changed after that.

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Ray1 · Post by **Ray1** » Sun Jun 26, 2016 10:17 pm

Not really sure about other possible causes, I had a similar issue with my car in the UK for a while and it turned out the battery wasn't strong enough to turn over a big diesel engine (despite showing full charge/voltage), upgraded the battery and it was fixed.

Hope you get it sorted!

Mohamed Aly · Post by **Mohamed Aly** » Sun Jun 26, 2016 10:48 pm

When last time you replaced the spark plugs and for how many km.

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AbuPhampi · Post by **AbuPhampi** » Mon Jun 27, 2016 1:09 pm

Thanks Mohamed, I am checking that also, I didn't suspect that as it starts always fine whenever the conditions are not met, same for battery...

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Saif1 · Post by **Saif1** » Mon Jun 27, 2016 1:38 pm

It could be the spark plugs or fuel pump not producing enough pressure or might be injectors needs cleaning.
Check air filter as well as it might be blocked by dust or sand.
I think it will be one of the above.

"Good is enemy of great"
Saif
Prado SWB V6
0551094084

AbuPhampi · Post by **AbuPhampi** » Mon Jun 27, 2016 4:00 pm

Thanks Saif, that's useful.

1) Spark plugs have never been changed (scheduled by 100km, now car is 76km)

2) Injectors were cleaned at 60km

2) Air Filter is brand new

3) Fuel filter is scheduled by 80k service as well

4) No idea on how to verify/discard fuel-pump easily?

Thanks!

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Saif1 · Post by **Saif1** » Tue Jun 28, 2016 12:51 am

You are most welcome AbuPhampi.

Regarding the fuel pump, there is a device at most workshops that measures the fuel pump pressure and each brand has a certain pressure (min and max). If the pressure is below range, then pump needs to be changed.

I hope you will find the faulty part soon.

Good luck

"Good is enemy of great"
Saif
Prado SWB V6
0551094084

DinoStroker · Post by **DinoStroker** » Tue Jun 28, 2016 11:45 am

If the car stays parked outside under the hot sun all day, you could be getting excessive fuel vapours accumulating inside the tank and preventing the fuel pump from drawing enough fuel. Try releasing the fuel filler cap VERY SLOWLY and see if that helps at all.

AbuPhampi · Post by **AbuPhampi** » Tue Jun 28, 2016 2:17 pm

Thanks DinoStroker, that correlates very well with the issue time and also started in summer.

You mean releasing the fuel tank cap or the fuel filter?

If that's the cause, is that an issue or just normal GCC summer behavior?

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DinoStroker · Post by **DinoStroker** » Tue Jun 28, 2016 4:31 pm

AbuPhampi wrote:Thanks DinoStroker, that correlates very well with the issue time and also started in summer.

You mean releasing the fuel tank cap or the fuel filter?

If that's the cause, is that an issue or just normal GCC summer behavior?

Just turn the fuel tank filler cap VERY SLOWLY so that the pressure inside the tank doesn't drop suddenly, otherwise you could get a surge of fuel come out and soak your clothes (not a good thing!).
Ideally the fuel tank vent tube should prevent the tank from overpressurizing but every car is different.

AbuPhampi · Post by **AbuPhampi** » Wed Jun 29, 2016 10:22 am

Thanks very much DinoStroker, tried that today after parking in sun 2h and still the symptoms persisted...

Any other ideas welcome.

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AbuPhampi · Post by **AbuPhampi** » Mon Jul 18, 2016 1:12 pm

Quick update

After pretending I am knowledgeable about cars (thanks to all your replies) the dealership did some pressure test and concluded problem is from the injector(s). They are going to replace them all (under warranty), let's see if that solves the issue.

Will keep you posted.

Rgds,
Edgar