On my 1998 Discovery, i have to leave my key in the on position for a few seconds before i can start the car.....

If i do not wait an just crank the engine, the truck will NOT start. if i crank it long enough, it will start to hit slowly it seems and then start.

If i cycle the key on and off, or leave the key on for a little bit, then crank, it will start much easier.

is there something that would let the fuel drain back if it were broken? im thinking maybe the fuel is draining back to the tank when the truck isnt running.

the truck seems to run ok once started. ive driven it about 15 miles or so.

 

Bump any ideas? Can a bad fuel pressure regulator cause this?

 

I have the same issue with my 97 Disco I and it gets worse with temperatures dropping outside.


Have you tested the fuel pressure after sitting overnight?

 

check your fuel pressure... if you've done the 20$ replacement its possible you have fuel leaking out of the lines at the pump.

 

X3, it's fuel pressure. By holding the key longer your building pressure in the rail while your waiting......

It's fairly normal for worn out trucks not in the best shape. The fuel pressure should hold while it sits overnight and when it doesn't it's either the FPR has developed a weak diaphragm holding spring, junk holding the diaphragm off it's seat and or a leaking injector(s) causing pressure drop.

 

I checked the fuel pressure. 32psi while running. Sitting still, it has no fuel pressure. When I turn the key on, fuel pressure shoots up for a few seconds, then it goes back to 0. So after the pump primes and then turns off, the fuel pressure drops to 0.

You guys are thinking fuel pressure regulator?

 

Or an injector staying open - sticking. I know you have a boat load of miles on it. Any access to a bone yard or pick and pull for the FPR and injectors?

 

32 is two pounds low......not a deal breaker. Have you touched the fuel filter yet?

 

Did you ever get to the bottom of this ? My 98 just started doing the same thing today

 

My 97 does the same thing. I've replaced the fuel pump, and it did not help either. I would think an injector leak would cause black smoke (rich) on start up. I'm pretty sure mine is the FPR, and I've ordered a new one for $50. Will put it on over winter break while replacing a leaking HG. The reason I'm thinking FPR is because when I turn the key to prime the system, I hear a clank sound about one second later coming from the area where the FPR sits. That tells me high psi fuel is rushing from the fuel pump and slamming into the FPR. I usually wait an additional second after I hear that clank and it fires right up. If I don't wait that additional second, it usually stutters for a second or two then runs normally. This only happens on initial morning starts. If I stop and restart in under an hour or so, then no clank or hesitation and it runs fine. Also, I've never had any black smoke out the tailpipe or rough running/misfire issues that would entail an injector.