Chrysler Repair: 2000 Plym Voyager 3.3L Hard Start, voyager 3, plastic cylinder

Question
We had the fuel pump replaced, along with the "Spider" fuel filter.  When trying to start, I hear the fuel pump come on, but it takes 3 or 4 tries, them the engine will barely rev, and seconds later comes up to normal idle (appx 1k rpm).  Mechanic found a tube in from of the engine-which runs left to right-and it has a valve resembling a Tire's air valve.  When depressed, air comes out, with very little gas/spray. 2 starts later, gas spray comes out.  There is a black plastic cylinder connected to that tube.  It is on the left side of the engine compartment, and has 2 wires plugged into it.  What could be the trouble?

Answer
Hi Anthony,
It sounds like the pressure in the fuel rail is not getting up to operating level quickly enough. It may be that the pressure regulator is out of calibration and needs to be replaced. The fuel pressure is measureable at that Schrader-type valve that you described and it should be about 55 psi pretty quickly after the fuel pump runs and it should hold that pressure for quite a while after you turn it off. If not, then there could be a leak in a fuel line between the tank and the valve, or one of the injectors could be leaking as an alternative but that would cause poor performance. Those are the possibilities that I can think of. So begin by checking the pressure of the fuel at the valve after you move the key to the run position and also when you are running the starter motor to see if it is at the level I listed.
Roland

PS Thanks for the rating/nomination and response. I have to admit that I can't identify the cylindrical object you described so can't be sure whether it is or isn't involved in the problem. Does it appear to be immediately connected to the fuel rail (in the line of flow, or simple T off of the rail), and also what are the wire colors which I may be able to use for identification?
Roland