I have a 2002 2.7 that takes a while to fire up. When starting her after sitting overnight, I have to do three short cranks (about 3-4 seconds) and she will catch the third time. Once warmed up, if I make a short stop, like for gas, she will fire right up. But if I make a longer stop, such as for groceries, she won't fire until the second crank.

Any suggestions as to where to start looking are greatly appreciated.

 

sounds like the check valve in the fuel pump has failed. allowing the fuel to drain back in the tank and not have fuel pressure up front at the rails all the time

 

If that's the problem, you might be able to add a check valve closer to the engine somewhere rather than replacing the fuel pump, which is a big expensive job. A check valve anywhere in the line ought to prevent backflow.

 

The check valve may be failing but the fuel pump itself may be failing. The fuel pump should turn on for a few seconds when the key is turned to 'run'. I would suggest putting a fuel pressure gauge on the line in the engine compartment and verify the fuel pressure hits at least 40 - 50 psi when the key is turned to run. It sounds to me that the fuel pump may not be getting to full pressure when first turned on.

 

The fuel pump is working or the car would not start. or stay running for that matter. The car is 12 odd feet long so will take a few pump primes to get fuel to the front to be able to start.

 

Only speaking from my experience here. When I replaced the fuel injectors in an '06 Sebring 2.7l, which requires the opening the fuel line, the motor fired up first crank.

 

Thank you for the responses. So do I understand that the check valve is part of the fuel pump assembly?

 

yes it is

 

Reporting back - I replaced the pump, and now she starts right up. Really glad I decided to do the whole unit, because when I pulled the old one out I discovered the filter pad had come adrift from the pump and she's been sucking unfiltered gas. (Good thing I snagged that set of injecters Rock was clearancing out.) Fortunately, I was able to spot the both parts of the filter pad with a flash light and snag them with the four-prong grabby thing.