What happened to my explorer, weird starting problem

[macker123]

I was in my Explorer yesterday to start it. It has always started no problems.

I went to start it with my foot on the brake and it would turn over, but just kept on grinding, but wouldn't turn on. I try again 10 seconds later and the same thing. I then put my foot on the gas and try to start it again and it starts with a little hesitation.

I then drive it for about 100 feet, turn off the engine and try again. The exact same problem.

I then drive it to a friends house for 20 minutes and turn it off and try to start it again and it starts great. I have since started it 10+ times with no problem.

I thought it was my starter going, but the truck starts fine from now on. What the heck could this be? Was it just an isolated stroke of luck?

 

[Commtech]

I have noticed that sometimes I have a little trouble starting when my tank is getting near empty. My gas guage is not working so this also helps remind me to get gas.
I have only had one time when starting gave me a big problem. That was when I had a "sneeze" in teh engine when starting (actually backfired) and it blew off a vacume line, made it run bad afterward.

 

[macker123]

I just thought of something. My tank was a little under a quarter full and I was on a steep hill.

Is it possible it just didn't have any gas? Or is there still gas in the lines?

 

[Alec]

It is very possible it was due to the fuel pump being high and dry.

 

[aldive]

Very possible; been there done that.

 

[ruzztec]

I had the same prob and it would go a few starts befor it would happen agin. Then it just kept doing it and not start. I looked at my starter and the blots that held it in were kinda loss. I tighned them and the prob was solved. Thought this might help