Xoutpost.com - Cranking endlessly

Quote:

Originally Posted by ubiquitus (Post 818865)

My 2005 4.8 does the same. I can get it to work every time when it acts up if I hold the gas pedal all the way down, then let it crank for about 20 seconds, then it starts. No idea how to fix this though.

While installing + programming my Megasquirt injection system for my racecar, I learned some interresting stuff on injection systems.
One of them, is when you press down the gas pedal while cranking, the ECU will go into a 'flood clear mode' and cut the injectors while cranking. This is usefull to start a flooded engine. This is implemented in all modern fuel injected cars. (most cars...)

If your X starts by doing that procedure, may be that means you have a leaking injector, and the fuel line pressure discharges into one or more cylinder, and creates a too rich condition for starting.

I remember in the 90s, I hard a 84 300ZX that was had to start (lots of cranking) when I let the car sit for ~30 minutes after a drive. When it was cold, no problem, when I let the car sit for more than 2 hours, no problem. Anyways, we did some unsuccessfull troubleshooting, and one day, like a miracle, Nissan issued a recall on all those cars (even if out of warranty), to replace defective injectors. After they did my car, the problem went away.

So, for the others who have that problem, it way be worthwhile to try to depress the accelerator pedal, just to see if it helps the X to start.
If it makes a difference, it may be fuel related.

If it doesn't make any difference, I would check the ignition. There are some inductive test lights on the market for electricians. While someone is cranking, just move the test light close to the coil(s) to see if the coil(s) is(are) energized. (remove the plastic cover from the engine first.)