Fuel problem?

[BBF]

Just recently my '99 Mounty 4.0L SOHC 150k miles, doesn't want to start, but only sometimes. It cranks over just fine due to a good battery but it just spins the engine over and doesn't fire up. It eventually starts after about 7 or more times of turning the key to off then retrying. It's done it after short and long trips and also after sitting for a few days. Every time I turn the key to start, I can hear the fuel pump "pressure up". Filter maybe?

 

[imp]

Guesswork without proper tools. Need to check fuel pressure at the engine with a gauge designed for the purpose. Not all that expensive, when it's considered that several wrong guesses in a row could easily pay for a few of those gauges.

Filter, maybe? Yes, I had a filter which apparently dropped enough gook off it's inner surface to start normally, then other times, hard start. Finally, no start. Measured pressure was low, filter replaced.

If you cannot do work yourself, having the filter replaced blindly will cost, especially if it turns out the pump is intermittently unreliable. On the other hand, I personally would not replace a pump and NOT the filter, unless it was known the filter was not very old. imp

 

[BBF]

Filter, maybe? Yes, I had a filter which apparently dropped enough gook off it's inner surface to start normally, then other times, hard start. Finally, no start. Measured pressure was low, filter replaced.

Thanks imp,
I'll change the fuel filter and let ya know the results; hoping it's not the pump. Any recommendations on a fuel pressure gauge?

I already have to schedule a in-tank pump replacement on my 80's Chevy pickup. If needed, maybe I'll do them both on the same day so I only smell of gas once. Fun, Fun, Fun!