Hard to start when hot.

[rudypoochris]

Well, it is 108 degrees out today, low humidity. I guess its that time of year. I have never had to start the car in this heat, but I have been noticing recently that when I do start the car, it takes a good 4-5 seconds for the engine to actually start up under its own power, as opposed to the usually 1-2 seconds.

The only thing I could think of would be vapor lock, but does that really happen when it is only 108 or so degrees out? The engine was not warm when started either.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Maybe the ECT sensor is slightly out of spec? Did you ever replace the fuel filter? Where do you live? Your vehicle, and location are not listed in your profile under your user name.

 

[Evil Eye]

Fuel filter or fuel pump, sounds like. How does it sound when you first turn the key and the fuel pump engages?

 

[rudypoochris]

Fuel filter or fuel pump, sounds like. How does it sound when you first turn the key and the fuel pump engages?

I have been thinking fuel filter for a while myself. I will go ahead and swap it since it is about time (16 years most likely). It should not be the ECT, but I will hit it with the DVOM to check.

I live near Sacramento, CA and the car is a 1992 Explorer XLT.

 

[Evil Eye]

16 year old fuel filter... Yeah, it's passed time to replace that relic!

 

[rudypoochris]

16 year old fuel filter... Yeah, it's passed time to replace that relic!

Heh. I guess for some reason they were good for the life of the vehicle on the Explorer. At 200,000 miles though, I am not sure Ford intended it to keep going.

 

[bigmiketino]

I am having this issue when the motor is hot it stumbles, then I turn the key to the off position. It cranks for about 5 seconds then starts. I changed the fuel filter wondering what you guys think.