strange issue

[wp23n]

my 98 explorer sport with 4.0 and AT has developed a strange problem,
first off i would have tried doing a search BUT couldn't figure out
what i should search for.

now for the problem,

3 times over the summer i have had an issue where the truck will run fine
and then when i turn it off and come back anytime from as little as 5 minutes to as much as all day it will turn over attempt to start and just die.

once it happens it just wont restart UNLESS i give it a shot of ether or carb cleaner, once i do that it starts and runs for a few seconds then will die and then when i crank it again it will start and stay running without a problem. this last time it didn't show back up for 2 months and then Thursday it did it again when i came out to head home from work at the end of the day.

when it does this it has spark and pressure at the fuel rail and doesn't throw any codes, i have also swapped out my key as it has factory theft so i am stumped.

im thinking something in fuel system but i cant afford to throw parts at it at this time.... any help is appreciated.

 

[wp23n]

after searching for the past god knows how long i think it may be
a cam position sensor problem.

can someone tell me how to replace it on a 98 4.0 SOHC engine????

i know its right on top of the valve cover but is it as cut and dry as it looks
to replace?




thanks in advance for any help......

 

[wp23n]

anyone?????