1994 B2300 Hard to start when engine cold

[B2300]

I have a 1994 2.3L B2300 stick (same as Ranger) with 330K miles. The problem is that it is hard to start when the engine is cold (take 3 to 4 cranking to start). Once I get it started and run for a while (meaning the engine is all warmed up), then I don't have any problem starting throughout the day. No rough idle, no CEL light, runs smoothly with A/C on, etc ...

I changed out sparks, sparks wires, coolant temp sensor, coil packs, fuel filter, fuel pump. I also cleaned IAC as well.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Rent or buy a fuel pressure tester. You should be getting around 40 psi at the fuel rail. That pressure should hold for months, so if it drops over night then there is a leak in the system somewhere. Ford's fuel pump will turn on for only 2 seconds if the motor doesn't start, so if there is no pressure to begin with it takes 3 or 4 tries before enough pressure builds up to allow the engine to run.

 

[tomw]

To add a bit, you can cycle the ignition from OFF to ON, pause and let the pump run, and repeat a few times before trying to start the engine. If it then starts readily, you can deduce that the pressure in the fuel system dropped over time(or use a gauge if you want), and there is a leak. Possible non-odorous leak spots are the injectors, or the check valve or the fuel pressure regulator. Based on vintage, I think some had a check valve in the fuel pump assembly in the tank, and some in the fuel pressure regulator itself. If you have a returnless system(vintage based), the pump performs the check valve function.
tom

 

[Craig0320]

On top of the other items that have been stated to check. Do a compression check when it is cold. I have a chevy tracker in the yard and it has low compression takes 5 or 6 turns to build enough compression to start. Once it is warm and the rings are expanded it fires right up every time. Then on the next cold start 5 or 6 turns it fires up. I'm not to worried about because it is a hunting vehicle.