Explorer 2001 XLT starting problems

[jos]

Hi guys,

I'm having this problems since quite a while now. It happens occasionally, lets say for a couple of days, and then it's ok for a few weeks: I have to start the vehicle two or three times, until it keeps running. And then, a week ago I started the vehicle and it didn't get fuel at all. The tow truck guy came, I told him the problem and he banged a couple times on the fuel tank while I was starting and I was able to drive the vehicle home. After that it wouldn't start anymore. So I had to replace the fuel pump. After taking a look here in the forum I got to know the mechanic prices, so I decided to do it myself. I ordered pump + sending unit at RockAuto.com and got it two days later . Everything seemed to be ok, but now those starting problems happen more frequently. I have to turn the key a couple of times until it get's the gas. Also the fuel gauge pointer is in a unusual high position and stays there all the time.
I would be happy to get some ideas what that could cause.
Thanks for all replies in advance.

 

[Boonie2]

Have you changed your Fuel Filter ?

 

[jos]

Have you changed your Fuel Filter ?

No, I didn't change it, because it looked fairly new and it is marked 90k , which I guess, it means 90 000 km. The vehicle has now 130 000 km. But I'll change it and tell what it did.
Thanks for the reply.

 

[C420sailor]

Got any fuel pressure numbers at the rail?

 

[jos]

Got any fuel pressure numbers at the rail?

How do I do that? I guess I need an OBD reader. Which one should I buy? Right now there would be a "Innova 3100" OBD 2 reader for half price. Or is it better to invest in a "better" one?
Thanks for your help.

 

[Flash]

Somebody will correct me if I'm wrong; You can stick a tyre gauge on the fuel line shraeder valve to read the fuel pressure.

 

[ranger7ltr]

You can use a tire gauge...

And it might even read close to accurately...

Somebody will correct me if I'm wrong; You can stick a tyre gauge on the fuel line shraeder valve to read the fuel pressure.

 

[Flash]

And it might even read close to accurately...

Why wouldn't it be accurate?

 

[ranger7ltr]

Why wouldn't it be accurate?

The lack of space to really get a tire pressure gauge to fit onto the schrader valve head...Don't get me wrong I have done that too and sometimes it sits on the valve head fine and other times the damn thing leaks all over...I have even had one gauge that couldn't make contact with the valve head to engage it...Course I found out a bit later that particular pressure gauge wouldn't do tire pressures either because it was missing something in the head!!!

 

[Flash]

The lack of space to really get a tire pressure gauge to fit onto the schrader valve head...Don't get me wrong I have done that too and sometimes it sits on the valve head fine and other times the damn thing leaks all over...I have even had one gauge that couldn't make contact with the valve head to engage it...Course I found out a bit later that particular pressure gauge wouldn't do tire pressures either because it was missing something in the head!!!

That's a better answer. Helpful.

I used to have an extension piece that screwed onto the shrader valve securely the you stuck the gauge or inflator on that.

 

[jos]

Just replaced the fuel filter and started the vehicle a couple of times without any problems. Thanks for your help guys.
The only problem now is the fuel gauge, still showing more than full all the time ( wish it would be true). I'll try to check the electrical connections and I hope it's not a defective sending unit which came with the new pump.

 

[jos]

Unfortunately there are still the starting problems. About 50% of starting the vehicle won't start the first time. The second time it starts as it should. I'll post here how it goes on. Maybe somebody has an idea in the meantime.
Thanks.
Edit:
Maybe this is related to the problem: There is vibration noise at about 1500 rpm, which I think, it is coming from the catalytic converter.