1999 EB Explorer intermittent hard start

[iajet]

I have searched the forum and there are a lot of posts regarding hard starts but none seem to apply to the issue I have.

I am experiencing an intermittent hard start at different times of the day (cold v warm engine). Different fuel quantity levels. Level pavement, tail high, nose high, doesn't make a difference. The fuel pump and filter were changed out almost exactly a year and 14k miles ago. Sometimes it will start right up, others it cranks for a few seconds, starts and revs high or just starts, every once in a while it cranks for a few seconds and starts and sputters a bit. About 6 months ago it was sputtering a bit during and after start, this lasted for about a week and then it just died and would not start. I towed it into the mechanic and he swore he changed out the fuel pump as it was still under warranty. I have my doubts as the tank was full when I brought it to him and full when I picked it up about 3 hours later. The full tank and 3 hours turn time kind of led me to believe that the pump was not actually replaced. I have never had any reason to doubt him or his work and he is always honest whether something is really an issue or needs to be replaced. I have had this truck for about 65k miles or so and in that period I have not replaced the plugs or wires, I am planning on doing this in a week or so.

Thanks so much for your time. This forum, with all of your knowledge, is like gold!

 

[Explodr94]

With the information you have supplied, test your fuel pressure. If you're getting fuel check ignition. I would start with checking the battery cables and change your plugs and wires.

 

[Mbrooks420]

If it’s mostly when warm check/change the coolant temp sensor.