Starting Problem

[ck1938]

I tried a few of the low cost recommendations on the forum to try and fix my starting issue but haven't had any luck so far. So before I start spending big money on troubleshooting I thought I'd ask the advice of the folks on here and see if they have any recommendations I missed searching the forums.

On my 91 Explorer XLT it started taking 2-3 attempts to start the engine instead of one. This probably happened over the space of two weeks before I started noticing it. Then this week it started sometimes taking 4-6 attempts. It will never start on the first attempt but always by the sixth. The starter is engaging and I can hear the spin of the engine attempting to start.

I can hear the fuel pump engaging for 2 seconds when I turn the ignition switch to the on position. I cleaned the battery terminals which were corroded (the wires look OK) and while my dash lights are brighter the starting problem hasn't been resolved. I changed the fuel filter this afternoon and that hasn't made any changes either. The truck runs great once started, idles well and I don't notice any hesitation in traffic. I am worried that if I keep this up any longer I'll kill the starter(If that's not the problem). Any advice on things to look at? This is my first problem like this and I'm not quite sure where to start. I almost wonder if some of the teeth on the starter or flywheel are worn and not hitting. I saw the starter close up while changing the fuel filter and it does look worn and rusted. It might be the original unit. The truck has 120,000 miles on it. The only recent change I made before the problem started was buying a new gas cap to replace the original I'd forgot put it back on after filling up.

 

[93explorer4life]

it could be ur starter! im not sure, my cousin has an s-10 and it takes a few attemptst o start it!
sooo. i dont know!
u could try a new starter, especially if it looks like crap!

 

[shamaal]

Just my opinion, but I would say that if the starter engages and the engine turns the problem's not related to the starter. If the starter is slow, then yes it may be starter or battery charger.

Assuming the engine spins as well as it used to, the problem could be in a number of areas including vacuum hose, fuel pressure regulation, spark plugs/circuit, etc.

 

[lofton316]

My 91 just started doing this last week, and it continues. It starts when it wants to. SInce i got a switch on the fuel pump i can turn the fuel pump off then try to start and it starts and stalls then thats when i turn the fuel pump on and it starts. cleaned battery terminal, brand new battery.

 

[93TwotoneXLT]

More than likely, if you are getting fuel(fuel pump engaging for two seconds) spark(vehicle starting in the first place) you probably have a problem with bleeding off fuel pressure. This could be caused by a defective regulator(the piece that sits on the fuel rail just behind the upper radiator hose) a fuel injector going bad(bleeding off pressure, should be able to see damp/wet fuel around one of the injectors if this is the problem) etc. My money is on the fuel pressure regulator. Hook up a fuel pressure gauge to the fuel rail(there are some good threads on here on how to do this) and check to see if your fuel pressure is bleeding off. If so, and you are getting plenty of fuel to the rail, then the regulator is likely to blame. If it is bad, replace it with a MOTORCRAFT regulator, do not go aftermarket. They may be a little cheaper, but you get what you pay for and the aftermarket regulators in my experience are junk. Good luck

P.S. Not to dwell on the negative side of things, but if you are getting plenty of fuel, the pressure is staying strong in the rail(holding pressure at ~40psi in the rail for a few minutes) then you may have a compression loss problem, i.e., cylinder head cracked, piston rings shot, etc. Again, this is worst case. However improbable, but not impossible.

 

[Willard]

you could simply try running better gas or running fuel system cleaner. mine did that for awhile, but after a couple tanks of better quality gas it hasn't done it since

 

[ck1938]

More than likely, if you are getting fuel(fuel pump engaging for two seconds) spark(vehicle starting in the first place) you probably have a problem with bleeding off fuel pressure. This could be caused by a defective regulator(the piece that sits on the fuel rail just behind the upper radiator hose) a fuel injector going bad(bleeding off pressure, should be able to see damp/wet fuel around one of the injectors if this is the problem) etc. My money is on the fuel pressure regulator. Hook up a fuel pressure gauge to the fuel rail(there are some good threads on here on how to do this) and check to see if your fuel pressure is bleeding off. .

Thanks. I'll try and check that tomorrow night. Hopefully I'll be able to borrow or rent one at Auto Zone.

 

[ck1938]

you could simply try running better gas or running fuel system cleaner. mine did that for awhile, but after a couple tanks of better quality gas it hasn't done it since

I've tried the cleaner a couple times and the problem is still getting worse.

 

[lofton316]

you could simply try running better gas or running fuel system cleaner. mine did that for awhile, but after a couple tanks of better quality gas it hasn't done it since

I put some in sunday night, and monday it started fine, did it for the whole day until i went to start it a few hours ago, it did the same thing, but took 5 turns for it to start.

It happend when i ran the gas tank low, i parked it on a slope. it read almost empty, and i was trying to start it. I pushed it out of the slope and got it to level ground (that damn thing is heavy) and waited and it started up. Maybe durt got sucked up in the fuel pump. What gets thatout? could i try some dry gas?

 

[Burns]

Ok is it turing the engine over or just making a clicking noise?

 

[ck1938]

Ok is it turing the engine over or just making a clicking noise?

It does turn over. I changed spark plugs last night and didn't come up with any that looked real bad and none that were fouled with gas or heavy residue. Looks like it's burning clean.

 

[ck1938]

It turned out to be the starter. At least I got a new fuel filter and spark plugs out of the mess. Thanks to everyone for your advice.