Before I Spend This Money...

[T's X]

I know this has been covered but I have to ask B4 I take the X in.
My probs are:
Engine won't start when cold. I can hold the pedal down to keep engine from stalling but as soon as I let go, the dang thing quits on me. It cranks but no turn over. I cleaned IAC to no avail and replaced air filter and PCV valve. Still nothing.
Also, with the hood off I hear a hiss and when I step on the gas it gets louder, like a vacuum leak...BUT I CAN"T FIND IT! I tried the carb cleaner around the hoses but I can't even find the "octopus thing " everyone refers to.

Help is needed fast B4 the Ford man steals my money by finding the leak or prob B4 I do! Please be specific with your replies I'm not the most mechanically inclined but a wiz on the 'puters.
BTW, I have a 99 4.0L SOHC XLT.

Thanks in advance.

 

[TPLYNCH]

How many miles? Do you hear the Fuel Pump running when you turn the key to ON? Could be the Coil Pack or the Crank Position Sensor.....

 

[T's X]

88K on it. I drive a lot! I can hear the fuel pump. Maybe the fuel filter? Some guy mentioned maybe the plenum gasket, which would be why it doesn't want to start in the cold until the gasket warms and expands. But isn't that thing made of plastic?

 

[Yng_pnk]

This may sound weird but, I forgot my fuel cap once and took my truck threw a car wash and water got into my gas and it had a similar problem, the startign cold one i mean. It ran after it warmed up for like 10 minutes but once i let off the gas it would choke out.

 

[Bacon X]

its your intake manifold

Your problem is a cracked intake manifold gasket. I had the same problem when I tried to start it in the cold.

 

[DarkFox1]

I had taht exact same problem.. mine was a screwed up PCM, they reflashed the computer and it was fine.