98 3L Ranger occasionally won't start

[jimjimmyjimjim]

Hello,
I have recently acquired a 98 Ranger 3L. Low Km, 105000. I've changed the plugs and wires. Occasionally, when I go to start it it will turn over but not fire. When this happens, If I try to keep starting it will just turn over, but if I let it sit for 30 seconds or so it will start just fine. It also has a bit of a shudder at idle. Any Ideas?

 

[jl99ranger]

I had a problem where my truck wouldn't start sometimes, then it would just start right up. What I found was that the fuel pump was going bad. I found this out by removing the gas cap and putting a short hose a few inches in. I put the other end to my ear and turned the key to the on position and you hear a short buzz (the fuel pump pumping up fuel pressure) for a second or two then stops. When it wouldn't start there was no buzz sound. I replaced the fuel pump and the problem went away.
I first eliminated electrical problem by removing the air intake hose and shooting a little starter fluid into the opening and then it started for a few seconds.

Hope this helps you of someone else.