tough start 1999 Explorer Sport SOHC 4.0L

[Woosh71]

A short time after installing a K&N air intake system, the truck began experiencing extremely long cranks prior to start. Sometimes it would not start at all. A garage cleaned the MAF sensor, correcting the problem temporarily. The hard start returned. I assumed at this point that replacing the MAF sensor would do the trick. The TWO remanufactured sensors made the situation worse, preventing the engine from starting at all. I had to put the original one back on to make it start at all. One final thing: the only way it will maybe start at all is if I recycle the ignition start sequence a few times. Please help

 

[lobo411]

Any trouble codes?

 

[XLTrunner]

I know little about K&N filters, but is it possible it's interfering with the proper operation of the MAF sensor...and thus, the proper air/fuel ratio? If it were my truck, I'd probably first reinstall the original air filter and clean the MAF again and see if things improve...just to eliminate that possibility. I'd next be checking fuel pressure since you say it will sometimes start after cycling the ignition key on/off several times.

 

[david4451]

Starting after recycling ignition switch sounds like a fuel problem. Caused by split hose inside tank, fuel pump on it's way out, clogged filter.
My ST had your symptoms, and it was a split hose inside the tank and was hard to see split even with the fuel pump assembly out of the tank.
As XLT RUNNER says check your fuel pressure.

 

[Woosh71]

fuel pressure checked out ok @ shop; I can smell gas during unsuccessful start. Don't know why 2 aftermarket sensors will cause the truck to absolutely not start, while replacing the original affords me an eventual start. Thanks for your input. Please keep it coming.

 

[XLTrunner]

Another common problem with these trucks cranking but not starting is a bad crank position sensor or dirty wiring harness at the connection.