4.0 gradually getting harder to start...where to start?

[Eddo Rogue]

So my ranger usually fires right up, sometimes needing a little more cranking and some throttle. Lately this has been happening more often. 20/80 hard start is now 80/20. It needs extended cranking and throttle to start 80% of the time. Where would be a good place to start looking?

PS. I already did the lower intake gasket last summer. New injectors too. IAC,DPFE,EGR etc all have been replaced at some point with motocraft parts. Newish autolite double platinum plugs. The only thing I haven't messed with is the fuel pump, pressure regulator, and 02 sensors. Mileage is 90k original miles. Yes that's right, a '93 with 90k miles. I love my ranger so much. Anyways, you guys think its fuel related?

 

[holyford86]

Check your fuel pressure

 

[Fast Eddie]

Call we wonker but I found a new battery usually does the trick. Hey, that's been my experience. What else can I say?

 

[Shran]

Fuel filter? Made a HUGE difference on my fiance's '95 that had sat for a few years.

Think you should get a fuel pressure reading too. If it's bleeding off back into the tank, or through a ruptured regulator, or through leaking injectors, or just low pressure in general from a weak pump... a good reading at idle and again at low vacuum will give you a really good place to start.

FWIW I have had several Explorers that really required extended cranking to fire up. Their engines were used in donor projects and received new pumps, filters, and nice clean fuel tanks. The long crank time issue disappeared.