2.3 efi 4 plugs hard starting please help

[redsfury]

I've been driving my ranger for about a week now, and its ran perfect till now. It just started doing this all of the sudden, it starts reeeeaaaally hard, I have to spin the starter over 4 times (for about 6 seconds each time) I've tried turning the fuel pump on a few times before I start it , but it doesn't help. Even after the engine is warm it still starts as hard as when its cold. I've but in new plugs, and a can of heat with no prevail. When I turn the switch the fuel pump comes on and shuts off after about a second and a half. So it seems to pressurize right away with no problem. What could this be? And ideas would be much appreciated thanks.

 

[RonD]

The fuel pump comes on when the key is turned on for 1 to 2 seconds, this is just timer based, there is no pressure monitor on the system.
It doesn't come on again until RPMs are above 500.

Fuel pressure is controlled/maintained by 2 things.
Fuel pressure regulator(FPR) on the fuel rail
Check valve(back flow preventer) on the fuel pump assembly.

FPR has a Vacuum hose attached, remove it and check it for fuel or fuel smell, the FPR diaphragm can leak, if fuel is found replace FPR.

On the fuel rail is a schrader valve(same as a tire's air valve) fuel system should have 40psi of pressure, so more pressure than in the tires(32psi).
With engine cold!!!!, stand clear and press center pin down a bit, fuel should spray out quite far.
If in doubt you can rent a fuel pressure gauge.

Are you sure it is a fuel issue at all?
You could get a can of Starting Fluid(ether) and spray some into the intake then crank engine, if it fires up right away then yes, fuel is the issue.
If it still takes a few cranks then spark(or even compression) is the problem.

 

[tmcalavy]

Never rule out an old, cruddy fuel filter if everything else checks out.