Okay fellow roverites, in homage to " Stump the Chumps" on Car Talk, opine on this one.
2004 D2 with 204k. New Battery volts reading 12.5. Alternator is working, sending 14 volts.
Car starts up with no problem right out of the box. I will drive for 20 minutes, stop to do errand, and then the car has a heck of a hard time starting again. It will start, but it sure seems to be really having trouble on that second start.
Any thoughts?

 

Failing fuel pump, resulting in lower pressure when it has been running for a while?

 

I do not think so. I say that because after that second start up the problem seems to go away. I would think there might be other indicators like rough idle or just cutting out if it were a fuel pump issue.

 

Failing CPS. Common issue. Factory heat shield was originally painted with silver paint but fades over time. UV radiation from exhaust manifold causes it to get hot and open circuit on the coil. You can test by pouring a glass of water down the drivers side rear corner. A simple aluminum heat shield will keep it from getting too hot, may prevent requiring replacement but you might need to replace anyway.

 

How long does a CPS typically last? I think I replaced it less than three years ago, The cover was in good shape.

 

The original CKPS in my truck failed at 112k miles, 11 years ago. REDR0VER get's driven much less these last few years, but FWIW she's now at 179K and all is well.

As much as the CKPS is a PITA to replace (due to the location of the connector), it's probably one of the few things I would replace proactively if I were taking REDR0VER on an extended road trip since it can clearly fail without any warning signs. Or at least carry a replacement and the needed tools.

 

Currently have 2 trucks over 216k on the original, but my 237k truck had to have its replaced about 2 years ago. Its pretty random, mostly related to the heat shield. I recommend aluminum foil inside and out.