1988 Dodge Dakoka, 3.6, fuel injected. It has a new fuel pump and the pressure regulator is good. My problem is that I have to crank on the starter for a very long time before the fuel seems to reach the engine and then it starts. After you shut the engine off, the fuel seems to run back to the gas tank again and you have to repeat the entire process all over again. Why is the fuel taking so long to get there and what would be a solution to fixing this problem? Also, while the engine is idling and the truck is sitting still, it seems to surge up and down as if hunting for a place to steady the idle. It seems to run real good, however, when you are driving it. What might be causing this?

 

clogged fuel filter if present, or maybe just some old lines or bad tank seal would be my guess

 

I had the same problem on my 95. Just dealt with it for about a year now. Just replaced the pump/regulator assembly and it fixed it. I was told there is a check valve in the regulator that prevents the fuel from draining back into the tank. Unfortunately, all one assembly. $200 and about an hour and half fix.

 

Sounds to me like an o2 sensor. If its fuel injected, its got an o2 sensor, try replacing that