hard start/hesitation on full throttle from stop -- could really use some help!!! | Ford Explorer Forums

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hard start/hesitation on full throttle from stop -- could really use some help!!!

cscmc1

Active Member
Joined
March 9, 2015
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Year, Model & Trim Level
2001 Sport Trac
Alright, I'm about at wit's end. I just replaced the main timing chain tensioner on my 01 ST, and while I was in doing that, I replaced the valve cover gaskets and intake gaskets (this is a job 2 truck, so just one set of intake gaskets).

Everything went back together fine, but now I have starting issues. It takes 2 or three tries from cold, and can take 4 or 5 when warm or hot. I see no obvious vacuum leaks (and I checked the infamous PCV elbows for cracks), the TB and IAC appear clean, etc... I reseated the intake as well. It did not do this at all before I replaced the tensioner.

I also have found that there is a distinct hesitation off the line under hard throttle. Keep it light and it's fine, but it struggles if you give it a little heavy pedal. It bogs from idle up to around 2000 rpm, then clears right up.

What are the odds that I am seeing fuel pressure issues purely coincidentally just after the work I did? It seems to me more likely that maybe I may have overlooked or improperly hooked up a sensor or vacuum line, but I can't find a thing.

I will add that upon reassembly the PCV was loose, and it appears that the "ears" that it twist-locks into in the valve cover are missing. When first I drove the truck after working on it, it twice stalled on me when letting off the gas after accelerating to about 25mph. Both times were on a very slight slight uphill, so a bit more throttle was applied during those stretches, and the truck was not warmed up when it happened (either time). It restarted just fine in both cases. I replaced the PCV and RTV'd it in place (until I can determine whether I can make a proper repair), and it has not stalled since. The hard starts, however, remain.

Finally, I will add that the CPS did get some coolant spilled on it when I replaced the tensioner. Would a damaged CPS behave in this manner? They are cheap enough that I might just try replacing it after work today. The fuel filter appears relatively new, but I have a replacement for it too -- just can't get the old one off. None of the available tools I have found will fit it (not enough room between fuel line fitting and filter body to slip it in; I fought it for over an hour last night. Frustrating!).

I'll pick up a fuel pressure gauge tomorrow at Harbor Freight and see where pressure stands. I have pored over the engine bay looking for a connection I forgot to hook back up or a split vacuum line, but I just can't find anything. Very frustrating!

Thoughts? Any advice would be very much appreciated. Truck, again, is an 01 and has ~150K miles on the odometer.

Thanks in advance!
 






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