1998 Sport

[LarryMax]

Was running fine until about 2 weeks ago. Turned over fine but wouldn't start. A few times it did try to start but it shook and stalled. Replaced the fuel fump and filter 3 years ago. Got it towed home. Next day, starts right up no issue. Went ahead and replaced the fuel pump again. Ran fine for a week and again won't start same issue. Went out this morning starts right up. I replaced the spark plugs and wires about a year ago. When it wasn't starting I depressed the little nozzle (not sure of the name) that looks like a tire nozzle and fuel does squirt out of it. I do have a new fuel filter that I haven't installed yet.

I also had the PATS disabled on this 3 years ago.

Any ideas?

Thank you.

 

[EB4X]

Was running fine until about 2 weeks ago. Turned over fine but wouldn't start. A few times it did try to start but it shook and stalled. Replaced the fuel fump and filter 3 years ago. Got it towed home. Next day, starts right up no issue. Went ahead and replaced the fuel pump again. Ran fine for a week and again won't start same issue. Went out this morning starts right up. I replaced the spark plugs and wires about a year ago. When it wasn't starting I depressed the little nozzle (not sure of the name) that looks like a tire nozzle and fuel does squirt out of it. I do have a new fuel filter that I haven't installed yet.

I also had the PATS disabled on this 3 years ago.

Any ideas?

Thank you.

Maybe a faulty sporadic fuel regulator...? usually accompanied by poor running conditions but............. ( Make sure to get OEM with proper o-rings...as per my other post And I'm assuming no CIL ?
ALSO, I had almost identical scenario happen on my old Ranger .. it turned out the leads were occasionally arching in the fuel pump plastic connector/plug ! Work fine some days...and then not start others....die other times....(not sure why it didn't blow the fuse)-- this was a few months after replacing fuel pump....not sure if old plastic connector cracked inside after unplugging/plugging back in after sitting in one place for 15- 20 years....but.... hoping you did the "easy access cut-out" to fuel pump to inspect / check....

 

[German Engineer]

Check the wiring to the fuel pump. there could be bad ground.
Replace the fuel filter.
Did you check the fuel pressure?
Depending on your engine (I have the 4.0L OHV engine) I believe the "pressure regulator" is located in the fuel tank in the fuel pump assembly and the thing on the fuel injection rail by the engine that many refer to as regulator is merely a "fuel pressure dampener".

Either way, to diagnose it you'll pretty much need to check the fuel pressure at the engine. The test kit is cheap to buy.

If it really turns out to be another bad fuel pump, then you should try to figure out why your fuel pumps are dying so fast.
One possible reason MAY be driving around with a completely empty fuel tank all the time.
should you really need to replace the pump again, then I'd personally recommend the Canadian Spectra fuel pump. Mine is running for 4 years now without any issues.
And either way, do yourself a favor and avoid driving around with less than 1/3rd of fuel in the tank! (I rarely even let it get below 1/2 a tank in my Explorer)
The fuel pump on the Explorer (and several other vehicles) is sadly designed to be submerged in fuel. So when you drive around with an almost empty fuel tank the fuel pump will not be cooled and lubricated as required for it to last reasonably long.

If you drive and wait to refill the tank with gas until the red light comes, then on you'll indeed be killing your fuel pump/s in no time! And yes you can even kill it that way within a matter of weeks or even days.

But in your case my first guess would be an electrical issue. Check the ground terminal on your battery, check the the big main fuse by the fuse box, check (and test) the wiring to the fuel pump, and don't forget to check this thread here as well:
www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/2nd-gen-issues-try-this-first.464701/