156K miles
fuel filter replaced 35K miles ago
no other known problems

It's happened 2 times, both in near-identical circumstances, about a month apart, most recent - yesterday: The little Liberty runs around fine during the day (hot, 95+ temp). It's garaged, when I go to start it in the morning (cool, 70 deg), it will start fine, as it always does - runs about 5 seconds and then dies and won't restart. Starter spins it fine, but won't hit or start - as if there's no fuel

The first time, it restarted with a small shot of ether (while my son was cranking it - I know enough not to shoot ether into a stopped engine). No further problems until yesterday: Same problem repeats, only this time, ether won't get it going. Today I have the brilliant idea to pump up the primer on the fuel filter - first dozen pumps nothing, then I can feel the pressure start to build. When it feels pretty solid, I hit the starter and it spins for about 3 seconds, then takes off and runs.

I should mention that I've noticed that now it normally takes about 1 - 2 seconds to start, whereas a few months ago I recall that it was a near-instantaneous start as soon as I turned the key. Is this a pertinent symptom?

So I'm thinking:
1. bad fuel filter?
2. is there a secondary fuel pump that pushes fuel from the tank to the filter that's going bad?
3. a check valve on the fuel filter?
4. fuel tank not properly vented - when it cools overnight it sucks fuel away from the fuel pump/filter?

Local Jeep dealer wants $129 for a fuel filter + $17 for a new "pigtail", I don't understand fuel filter and pigtail in the same sentence. I can tell you that the dealer is no help with correctly diagnosing the problem - the first time they wanted to charge me gazillions of $$ to start replacing fuel injectors????
O'Reilly has a WIX 33647 fuel filter for $30, but I don't know if that's really the problem or not.

Help out a fellow Jeeper here - I'm willing to be schooled by your extensive and vast experience. I doubt I'm the first to ever see this problem, so someone's got to have the definitive diagnosis and fix for this anomaly. I'm interested in conclusively identifying the root cause of the problem and correcting that, instead of band-aiding the symptoms.

Thanx,
PJ

First off welcome to the LOST JEEPS

Second: all should read the Sam's CRD NOOB Guide: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=54207

Third: best place to post this is in: viewforum.php?f=5

Fourth: There is a second generation fuel filter head that has "resolved" a problem with the heater wiring socket where air is leaking in at. With the new head it needs a new heater socket plug, hence, the pigtail wiring socket plug replacement. But I have found that in addition to the filter head, I've had to replace the cheap fuel line with its hose clips (probable source of air leak as well). If you get to that point of replacing the fuel line use high quality fuel line, 5/16 about 3' for each line send and return (return not necessary to replace) that is thick/sturdy enough where it won't crimp, pinch or collapse.

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JW
'06 CRD - stock

Thanks for the prompt (and very helpful) reply.

What you say makes sense, I'll proceed accordingly. And thanks for pointing me to the CRD NOOB guide.

Would you suggest I re-post this inquiry in the sub-forum you reference? It'll get more visibility there?

PJ

Welcome to the forum.

Copying and pasting in the CRD section wouldn't hurt.

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2

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2006 Sport, GDE FT Eco Tune, Custom Trans Tune
2015 Ram 1500 Big Horn EcoDiesel, GDE Hot Tune

I would re-post in the CRD section. There is a wealth of knowledgeable people that troll that section. And have been very responsive to my queries.

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JW
'06 CRD - stock

Thanks, re-post has been done.