2005 T&C, 3.8L Ignition Mystery....
 

What happens:
When starting the engine it will crank for some time before ignition happens. Once this happens, quite often, it will have an flooding type odor.

My apologies, for some reason my first entry happened without my completion - unknown cause ... just like my mystery.

Continuing from above ....

One issue that I know of:

The fuel tank will need to be replaced due to a broken vacuum line nipple that is permanently installed in the fuel tank. Thus I currently have an open system. The Chrysler dealer mechanic stated this as being a vacuum pump ... I am uncertain that this is the correct labeling of the part. This originally was a splashback issue.

What I have done about the starting issue:

Installed the following - Crank and Cam Shaft Position Sensors, Spark Plugs, Spark Plug Wire Set, Air Temp Sensor, EGR Valve, Both O2 Sensors, and a Starter Relay.

Everything that was done gave me about 2 to 4 perfect starts, then I was back to my original issue.

What I am trying to decide:

Should I install a Throttle Position Sensor, an Idle Air Control Valve, a PCV Valve, a MAP sensor, or and Ignition Coil?

The starter appears to do its job.

I am getting desperate about this issue. Could this be related to the fuel tank vacuum issue? I have been thinking that something is not telling the spark plugs to do their job until there is plenty of fuel there.

Ideas and thoughts would be appreciated immensely.

One more thing:


I of course have been getting a P0456 code for the major evap issue. I also get a P0303 code, but only after start up. Not any other time will it show its ugly head. Once again, I just replaced the spark plugs and wires and erased the code.