Bad check Valve in fuel pump?

[blocke]

I have reason to believe that my excessively long cranking times are caused by a bad check valve in my fuel pump. The long-crank condition usually occurs ofter the car has been sitting overnight, or longer.

If I jumper the fuel pump relay and allow the fuel system to "prime" before cranking the car and it fires right up, would that point to a bad check valve in fuel pump that's not keeping the pressure up? Also could be a fuel leak, but I've checked for that and I don't think it's it.

Could I avoid a new pump by just placing a check valve in the fuel feed line in the engine bay?

[jlevie]

It does sound like fuel pressure is bleeding off the rail and that could be a bad check valve in the pump or a bad FPR. If it is the check valve, just adding one might get you by. But the odds are that the pump needs to be replaced. If the pump isn't worn (and the FPR is good) and is operating properly the rail will go to full pressure within a couple of turns of the engine. If it is taking longer than that there are problems in addition to a bad check valve.

[blocke]

It does sound like fuel pressure is bleeding off the rail and that could be a bad check valve in the pump or a bad FPR. If it is the check valve, just adding one might get you by. But the odds are that the pump needs to be replaced. If the pump isn't worn (and the FPR is good) and is operating properly the rail will go to full pressure within a couple of turns of the engine. If it is taking longer than that there are problems in addition to a bad check valve.

In theory the pump should be good, Its only 3 years (6-8k miles old). But within the realm of possibility. The FPR is original, so it's possible it could be failing. I'll need to bust out the Bentley and test the FPR.
Sucks, neither are a cheap fix. :(

[dnguyen1963]

In theory the pump should be good, Its only 3 years (6-8k miles old). But within the realm of possibility. The FPR is original, so it's possible it could be failing. I'll need to bust out the Bentley and test the FPR.
Sucks, neither are a cheap fix. :(

I bought a working FPR off Ebay for $25. A new Bosch FPR is @ $80 through Autozone.

[blocke]

I bought a working FPR off Ebay for $25. A new Bosch FPR is @ $80 through Autozone.

I know cheap used parts can be had, but the philosphy i have taken with this car is if i have to replace something, do it right. Dont want to spend money on a part that has close to the same mileage as my existing stock parts.

[lennon]

You need to hook up a fuel pressure gauge and see what the pressure is doing. You will be able to see if the pressure holds after you turn the car off. Make sure you hook it up before the rail, not after the FPR.

[nickmcc92]

Did you ever find out what it was? Did you replace fuel pump or install a external check ?valve?

[Killacortes]

i have the same problem. have you fixed this?

[TobyB]

It could also be a leaky injector. Those are worth fixing, as they can leak fuel into the oil...

t