Cold starting problems

[eso123]

‘98 Ranger / XLT / 4.0L / Manual. 169k miles. The problem is lots of cranking required to start when the truck has not been driven for 18-24 hours. Once the truck starts, it runs fine. The truck starts and runs normally when warm. The truck would not start at all about 4 months ago and the problem was a starter relay per the Ford dealer. Spark plugs were replaced as routine maintenance 2 weeks ago. Old plugs had 95k miles on them. However, very hard starting the last two mornings. Any ideas/similar experiences/solutions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[kimcrwbr1]

Change your plug wires and pcv and clean your MAF or ACT. If you clean or change a sensor reset the computer by disconnecting the battery for half an hour. Plug wires get weak due to the high volts going thru them I have been changing mine with every other set of plugs and will improve your fuel mileage also. Figure out how much you spent on gas for 95K miles and what the percentage of that would you spend for a good tune up. plugs, wires, PCV, filters. I laugh out loud when someone says I checked or cleaned the PCV just replace the prick. Especially if you dont know how old it is.

 

[kimcrwbr1]

95,000 divide by 20 mpg= 4,750 gallons x $3 per gallon = $14,250 for fuel if you lose .5 mpg from lack of preventave maintenance you will spend $14,615 that pays for alot of tune up stuff.

 

[eso123]

Good points. Thanks. I have work to do (or checks to write).

 

[Big Jim M]

HA!

Good points. Thanks. I have work to do (or checks to write).

Tune is NOT indicated by your post! What is indicated is the fuel draining back into the fuel tank while the engine isn't running.
So do this. Tomorrow morning turn the key to the RUN position and let the fuel pump prime the system. THEN after a few seconds hit the starter.. If leak back is the problem it should start right up.
But in any event if it does run good after it starts it should be a fuel problem and not lectric.
Big JIm

 

[eso123]

You are correct

Big Jim,

You are correct. Thank you. The priming procedure works well and has been confirmed by some other sources. Thanks again.

Ed