My sport track (02) is hard to start, any suggestions?

[plance1]

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=322267

Just replaced the plugs and fuel filter but no change, no idiot lights have come on.

 

[LONO100]

fuel filter? fuel pump?

 

[plance1]

I had the fuel filter replaced last week, along with air filter and the plugs (Im hoping my mechanic really did replace them all!)

The problem comes and goes, I haven't noticed any vacuum leaks.

 

[nlikens]

My brother has an 02 sport trac and he had the same problem. It was the fuel pump.

 

[plance1]

my mechanic is telling me the cost for him to replace the pump is over $700! Holy crap! Not sure if that is the problem yet but it sounds like others including your brother have had fuel pump problems. Trouble is it comes and goes so I think it would be hard to diagnose, you know, you take it in to get worked on and everything is always fine!

 

[rmdanifo]

if you replaced the plugs and fuel filter you should check your fuel pump. is it harder to start in the morning? with mine it was harder to start in the morning and it ran rougher. yeah its a $700-800 job but if you can do it yourself do it. it will save on labor costs. The fuel pump itself costs $250.00

 

[sport97]

I've read a dirty or bad IAC(idle air control) can lead to hard starts.

 

[plance1]

Thanks, you're right, Air flow sensor on my turbo wagon was dirty and it ran like crap, once cleaned it was perfect. Ok, tell me, where is this pump located? Is it in the gas tank like some vehicles? On the engine? My mechanic told me they budget 5 hours for this job, and since I don't work on cars that much and have a half assed set of tools, can I expect this job to take 5 weeks if I try to do it?

thanks for your responses by the way!

 

[sport97]

You have the 4.0? The IAC is on the top of the motor if you do. Do a search, there is a how to on cleaning it I believe. You should also clean out the mass air flow sensor(sensor at the air box). Never know, it could be dirty and causing issues.

Not sure which sensor your mechanic is referring to being a 5 hour job, the IAC takes 15 minutes.

 

[plance1]

No, i may not have been clear, he was referring to replacing the fuel pump as a five hour job

 

[LONO100]

good point, check out and clean your maf sensor, it could be as easy as that. if not, do some homework and if you get confident enough, replace it yourself. im by no means a mechanical wizard but just out of not wanting to get broke off by mechanics, ive learned to change alternators, brakes, wires, you name it. it becomes less intimidating when you have good sources of knowledge and help liike on this forum and youtube! good luck.

 

[LONO100]

ive changed a fuel pump before and i would say its on the same level as changing a thermostat or alternator based on where its located. if it doesnt have to do with timing or clutches, i usually will look into trying to do it myself, and again, i am by no means a mechanic. let us know how it goes.

 

[plance1]

thanks just so Im clear, where is the fuel pump? Is it on the engine? And what do I need to remove to get to it? Thanks again guys