2002 V8 Starting Hard.

[Noslo351]

My wifes 2002 4.6l Explorer with 91,000 miles just began starting hard. It takes more than twice the cranking time to start then normal. The first place I checked was spark plugs. The first one I removed was worn to .070". I replaced all the plugs yesterday and it seemed fine. The wife called me today and told me it was acting up again. I'm thinking sticky IAC, Any ideas? Thanks...

 

[Noslo351]

Update.

Tonight i cleaned and checked the IAC. The pluger moves freely.

I hooked up a fuel pressure gauge to check the fuel pressure. When the key is turned on it goes to 10-15 pounds and thats it. It doesn't hold very long either. With the motor running the pressure is at 65psi. When I turn the engine off the pressure drops pretty quick. It this normal?

 

[Noslo351]

Geez, thanks for all of the replies!

Anyways, I have isolated the issue to the regulator in the gas tank that is part of the fuel pump assembly. The returnles fuel system in the 2002 has a regulator in the gas tank.

There is a leaking hose or a bad regulator causing the blead down of fuel pressure. I will update after I drop the tank and repair or replace the fuel pump assembly.