hard to crank engine

[mrfoo]

For the last few weeks on occasion when my engine is cold and I try to crank it, it will "cough" and cut off after about 2 seconds then I crank it again and it turns over fine with no problems. I noticed my battery leads were a bit corroded so i cleaned them off about 3 or 4 days ago. Since then it has almost returned back to normal with the exception that when I cranked it up, it took it a second longer than usual. Now tonight when I attempted to crank it up it sounded like I had a dead battery but it still turned over. I had someone jump me off but I found out that I HAVE to press the gas peddle when cranking it up and rev the engine for about a minute or if I don't it will completely cut off. I dont think it is my battery and the volt meter was reading fine at around 14 volts. If anyone has any suggestions please help. Thanks

[tbear]

when you turn the key on can you hear the fuel pump running ,, if so let the pump "cycle", when it shuts off try starting it. also a fuel pressure check may be needed. a xjs system should run at 49 psi, give or take 5 lbs. also if your cables are exposed at all ,some corrosion may have moved its way down them .replace them theyre cheap maintance.

[Eagle]

What year, how many miles?

Sounds to me like the starter is dying.

[mrfoo]

I am not too familiar with jeep parts and stuff but how would I go about gettin my fuel system checked and to the other post, it is a '98 with about 66,300 miles.