Starting problem is driving me crazy!

[Dave_x]

I have a 1994 2WD Explorer with manual transmission. It has always started well on cold days but from time to time it would not start on a hot day after running then attempting to restart after sitting for a short time. Now temperature does not appear to be an issue.
Intermittently it will start fine when cold or hot but most times I will turn the engine over but it will not start.
It will always start if I push it (manual transmission). I try to park on hills so I don't get stuck. This is driving me crazy. I live in Nebraska so finding good hills is sometimes hard!
Dave

 

[ERUSH97XLT]

Greetings, fellow Nebraskan,

If the engine starts well when warm by popping the clutch, but not with the starter, I suggest having the starter tested. Does the engine slowly turn over when warm with the starter? If it doesn't turn at all, you might try tapping it with a hammer to knock any debris or goo loose.

Good luck,

ERUSH

 

[Dave_x]

Thank you for your quick reply. What is driving me nuts is that everything appears normal (to me), starter cranks the engine, battery is only a year old, fuel is delivered, spark is present, etc.
It doesn't seem to matter if the starter works to start the engine or I have to push start it, everything runs fine once going. It is only when I crank and crank on the starter and the engine doesn't fire that I have to push start it. Then it runs fine. About half and half as to using the starter or push starting it.
Dave

 

[ERUSH97XLT]

Hmm.

Something may be causing a starting mixture problem, but I'm not sure since you think your starter is ok.

Do you see a puff of smoke once the vehicle has started? I wonder if you IAC might be getting stuck on start up, be freeing up when running?

How many miles on your truck? Do you use injector cleaner or Seafoam at all? How are your spark plugs and air filter? I only ask because any weak intake, fuel, or ignition parts may hinder starting but not present problems when running.

EDIT: Your starter cranks the engine. Does it turn the engine slowly? I would note the sound when you're having trouble when using the starter.

 

[rangerist]

Just joined today. I'm having the same problem and going crazy too. The problem is intermittent. Starter seems very weak. Changed starter-no help. Tested coil pack-ohms out by the book. Good spark (TESTED) and fuel (STRONG ODOR OF FUEL WHILE CRANKING). Heard clicking noise and got an immediate start-changed starter relay-no help. Next occurrence, checked power to coil pack and found 10.3 volts (while wife was cranking engine) noted a jump to 12.4 volts and engine started. Now, I'm suspecting a cable problem to the tune of about 60 bucks. The weather has been hot in Ms and that factor has crossed my mind. Starts good in AM, go to work, return to vehicle in PM, and the vehicle will not start. And yes, I have been parking on higher ground too. My next step is to check the wiring from the fuse box to the coil pack. (1997 ranger ready to turn 200,000 miles)

 

[ERUSH97XLT]

@rangerist:

Welcome aboard! You will find this forum is loaded with helpful information and pictures. Don't be shy!

Regarding your new, slow starter, I suspect a ground fault somewhere. If you changed the starter relay without improvement, I would use a multimeter to check the wiring. Something has to be shedding voltage if you're only seeing 10.3V at the coil. I'm not sure what the Ford spec says for the lower voltage limit... a short or corrosion could be inside a relay, solenoid, or the starter itself. Make sure all the exposed connections aren't faulted to ground and are free from corrosion. How's your battery? How do the fuses look? Are any discolored?

Good luck,

ERUSH

 

[markfothebeast]

I'd have to say start by checking all your ground connections, including the positive battery cable. I always run an extra ground cable to the battery from the firewall, one to engine, one to firewall to engine. Check for corrosion inside the cables also. Sounds like an intermittent short. I had bought a vehicle once that did this but it had turned out someone had mounted the negative battery cable to the rubber engine mounts.

 

[rangerist]

Thanks for the helpful information. I found a pig tailed ground on the negative battery cable corroded just before the cable terminates at the starter. I called around for the cable and no one has it. I was told by a Ford dealer they stopped making the cable about a month ago. He said to call him tomorrow some may be out there still. He will research. I fabricated one until one becomes available. For now everything seems to be good. Will keep all posted. Thanks again for the information to all who responded!

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! I've moved your thread into the stock 91-94 section.