Crankshaft position sensor?

From what I can tell, I assume that the fuel pressure regulator is part of the fuel pump or at least in the fuel tank. Is that correct?

I placed the new spark plug wires onto the van and it started like a charm for three to four times and then it went back to its old game of cranking before ignition. Any thoughts?

Hope things are going well for you.

Thanks again for your time and thoughts.

I took out the middle piston spark plug in the back of the engine (number three? Cylinder) and it appeared to have an oil around the threads, but the end of the spark plug appears okay to me. I included pictures of this spark plug and a picture of the head.

I also took out the front middle spark plug (number four? Cylinder) for a comparison. It appeared dry and clean. I included pictures of it and the head again for comparison.

I have not checked the fuel pump pressure (of course, I do not have that equipment or knowledge as of yet). Although, the local dealer replaced the fuel pump just around five or six months ago.

I will look into this and get back to you soon. Once again, your help and time is appreciated.

Update: I went to a local auto shop and ended up doing some thinking with these guys. Result was that we believe that I have a #3 cylinder fuel injector leaking, thus causing the hesitation during start up and causing the fuel pressure to gradually go down.

I see where it is recommended to change all of the fuel injectors at the same time, which can be pricy up front. What do you recommend? Can a person just change one fuel injector and be okay? There is only 36,700 miles on the van right now.

Thoughts are appreciated. Hope all is well in your neck of the woods.

Also. Something that I thought of, but neglected to mention to you when I checked the spark plugs. The #3 cylinder spark plug had a fuel odor to it where the #4 did not.

I wanted to update you on what has progressed on the van (Chrysler T & C Touring, 3.8L).

Things that have been done:

Camshaft Position Sensor
Crankshaft Position Sensor
Spark Plugs & Wires
Ignition Coil
EGR Valve
Air Temp Sensor
O2 Sensors #1 & #2
Starter Relay
MAP Sensor
PCV Valve
Idle Air Control Valve
Throttle Positon Sensor
Vapor Canister Solenoid
Fuel Tank

I think that I am working on a vacuum leak of some sort. Once I replaced the Fuel Tank (which had a vacuum line broken on it from a previous repair) and especially the Vapor Canister Solenoid, The engine began running much better and my gas mileage has improved some.

I have consistently had a P0303 code appear at start up of the engine. Right now the idle is smooth with occasional slight misfire and I have a slight hesitation in drive when going from idle to applying gas pedal. This is more pronounce when the engine is cold. Once the engine is warm, the idle is smooth with an occasional misfire and the hesitation when applying gas pedal tends to become lessened to negligible. Idle is generally smooth or smoother in park thru neutral but misfire is more pronounce in drive. I have not noticed any other vacuum leaks, although I may have missed one without realizing it.

Is it possible that I need a new Vapor Canister, considering that once the Vapor Canister Solenoid was replaced that the misfire and hesitation lessened? Any other thoughts to things I should check/recheck?

Your thoughts and ideas have been and will continue to be appreciated. I hope you and your family have a wonderful and happy Thanksgiving holiday!

Finally. A new year and a new outlook for the van.

I took the van to a local mechanic shop due to just getting tired of it all and they found that the P0303 code followed the spark plug to another cylinder. Apparently I missed trying to switch the spark plugs around.

Anyway, I had installed two different sets of spark plugs onto the van in the past six months. Started with a set of Autolites that were a direct replacement for what was in the van. The second set was Champion Double Platinum, which has been recommended for Chrysler product. Both sets saw the P0303 code. After changing to the Champions, I decided to replace the Coil and wires.

I have been running the van for about a week now with no codes showing up. Question. Is it possible that the old coil or wires were causing the P0303 code?

I am glad that they found the issue, just wish I would have considered it before taking it in and replaced the spark plug myself. Although, they did put it on the computer and said that everything else appears to be working well. I do need to replace my o-rings on all of my fuel injectors though. #6 has an ever so small leak to it, yet the van runs fine now.

Overall. I really appreciate your input and directions over throughout. I hope that you and your family have had a joyous and wonderful holiday season!

God's Peace!