truck take a while to start

[ekafrawy]

For some reason sometimes when i try to start my 94 explorer, it take a good amount of cranks for it actually to start. Anyone have an idea on the cause of this. it only has 85,000 miles on it and just had a full tune-up.

 

[mmsdrummer]

Is it slow cranking like a battery problem?

 

[ekafrawy]

no it cranks fast. just takes like 5 seconds for it actually to start somtimes

 

[Alec]

Try turning the key to "on", waiting for 3-5 seconds, then cranking. This lets the fuel pump build up enough pressure in the fuel system.

 

[Byrd91]

Yeah, if what Alec says works you could have a bad check valve in the fuel pump...I do.

 

[Bwana Bob]

I have the same problem with my 92, but if it sits overnight, it starts instantly. If it sits for 4 to 8 hours it starts instantly. If it sits for 1 or 2 hours, it takes a few seconds of cranking and sometimes a little accelerator pedal to start.

I changed the fuel filter and O2 sensor but no improvement. The fuel pump was replaced 3 years ago.

I don't know what tor try next, and, yes, I've cleaned the MAF sensor.


Bob

 

[mhn3773]

is ur thermostat broken? dont engines not want to start when they are hot?

 

[Bwana Bob]

Thermostat is OK, but there is a temperature sensor whose output goes to the computer. maybe that is bad, but I don't get a check engine light.
It almost acts like vapor lock. I could have a tank pressurization problem. When I open the gas cap I don't get that pressure relief hissing.
Also, after I shut down the engine I smell a little gas in the area of the fuel filler. I tightened the hose clamp on the filler hose, but It made little difference. May be a pinhole in the fuel fill hose. Is this a separate problem or could it be related to the hard starting?

By the way, if I restart within a few minute or 1/2 hour it starts fine, so I can't blame it on hot starts.

Bob

 

[mhn3773]

hmm is ur gas cap working right? sometimes they wear out or break i had that happen i smelled gas and there was no vapor his when i opened it

i just replaced it and the smell is gone

 

[Bwana Bob]

Yes, I checked the gas cap and it looks OK. I did clean the filler pipe with steel wool because there was a little surface rust where the gas cap screws on. I do't smell any gas around the cap, but the smell seems to be coming from the wheel well. I reseated and tightened the hose clamp that secures the filler neck to the hose leadning to the tank. I suspect that there may be a pinhole leak in the hose or in the vent hose that goes to the filler.

Is there any way to test fuel system pressurization? If pressure is lost, how would it affect performance?

My hesitation problem could be bad ignition wires of maybe the FPR is going. The FPR was replaced 3 years ago, so I'm afraid I'm guessing.

Bob

 

[Ford_Racing_Guy]

mine does the same thing when its cold

but if i was previously running it, it starts fine

 

[exploder94]

i dont know what to tell ya

 

[Redrig]

Try turning the key to "on", waiting for 3-5 seconds, then cranking. This lets the fuel pump build up enough pressure in the fuel system

I had the same problem. I used this advise and now even if i turn the key and crank it quick it starts instantly. Unless i dont realize im waiting a second or 2 anymore. Anyway get in that habit it works.