94 Ranger Starting Troubles

[speedball3]

Hi everybody,

I have done quite a bit of searching for a solution, but have yet to find one that does the trick...hope you guys can figure it out!!

I have a 4.0L V6 94 Ranger that occasionally has trouble starting. The trouble is typically in the morning but has also happened when trying to return home from work.... but basically, it only happens on a cold engine. The starter cranks and cranks but the engine never turns over. It is cranking at a good speed too, so the battery doesn't seem to be low. Ambient temperature or humidity don't seem to make a difference... it happened in the winter and it happens now. Plus, I'm in San Diego, so winter means a low of 40F, if that. I've read the threads on having butane in the gasoline, but just yesterday I tried the cycling on/off trick for about half an hour and it didn't work (usually it seems to do the trick). About a year ago, the fuel pump was replaced... didn't help (plus dealer couldn't reproduce the problem). I have tried cleaning the IACV (didn't do much) and replacing the IACV (seems to have helped, but not cured it). Next on my list is cleaning the MAF sensor (I have felt slight hesitation when accelerating at WOT onto the freeway) and maybe replacing spark plugs (though I hear getting one of them out is a nightmare).

Other items of interest:
- Previously, when trying to start the engine, I have heard a hollow, metallic "ping" sound, usually within 30 seconds before or after the engine turns over
- Yesterday, I had a couple guys help me push start it, and it fired right up immediately...after a 1/2 hr of trying the on/off key cycle trick.

Anyway, I hope I have given enough information. Your help and knowledge are greatly appreciated!!

 

[Earl43P]

Have you tried turning it to Run, listen for the FP to run, go back to Off, repeat 3X and then crank it over?

If that works, you are bleeding down fuel pressure from somewhere. Could be the fuel filter connections, the fuel rail, fuel pressure regulator or an injector. The fuel pump itself has a check valve that is supposed to prevent this bleed off. Yours is less suspect since it was replaced. Unless the rubber connecting line TO the fuel pump is rotted. It is a small segment of hose attaching the FP to the in tank assembly.

I mention that because I put an aftermarket FP on one of the 93's I fixed and sold. New owner had to replace that line (it came with the FP) because it was NOT fuel compatible hose. Go figure.

 

[speedball3]

The FP running is a quiet mechanical buzzing sound, correct? If so, then yes, I've tried that trick (that's what I mean as the on/off trick). I even added some personal varieties. I've tried 5x or 6x... I've tried 6x rapidly (not waiting for the sound to stop)... all to no avail. I have not tried checking the fuel lines, but this has been happening even prior to changing out the fuel pump.

 

[Nhaz]

Have you tested the voltage to the IAC? This is currently a problem in my truck it only gets about 2 volts which isn't enough to move the solenoid in the IAC. I bypassed the computer and run the iac manually from a toggle switch.

One of these days I will track down why the iac isn't getting voltage but its near the end of spring now and the truck starts without it so its not exactly a priority for me till it starts to get cold again.

 

[thefourohrangerkid]

try smacking the fuel pump regulator once or twice, mine pops out oevery now and then and I just recently realized that was the problem,. Before it would take me forever to start my ranger.