Difficult to start (trying fuel filter)

[lusso5]

New here.

My girlfriend has an 01 Explorer Sport; 4 .0 SOHC. The last week she has been having trouble starting the truck in the morning. It takes a good 10 cranks to get it going. After it has been started once, it will start again fine within the next few hours. It drives smooth, and there are no indications of any ignition problems. I'm going to see if a fuel filter will remedy the issue.

The truck has 67,000 miles. I'll be changing the plugs for her, as well as doing an injector cleaning.

I did a search and found a reference to a special tool for fuel lines. Can anyone give insight to this (Autozone, Snap-on, Harbor Frieght)?

Was also hoping someone might have other ideas, tips & tricks for this engine.

BTW - I learned the hard way that Autozone will sell you a 2-port filter for this truck when you need a 3-port.

One last thing - from a quick glance it looked like I may have to approach the passenger-side plugs from the wheel well. It is very tight - is this how it's usually done?

 

[TPLYNCH]

Yes, you need a special tool for fuel filter removal. As for spark plugs, yes, people remove the wheel well shroud to get at the plugs easier.

As for the hard start.... Next time, instead of just turning the key straight to start, pause at "on" for few seconds (you'll hear the Fuel Pump whine). Turn off, then turn to "on" and pause again until the FP stops whining. Turn off, then turn back to "on", wait for the FP to stop whining, then turn to start. If the engine start right up, the problem is the check valve in your fuel pump allowing gas to flow back into the tank, draining the fuel line.