hard starting 4.0

Ford Forum Ford Classifieds Photo Gallery Member List Search Ford Recalls Contact FF Sponsors
Ford News Ford Lineup Forum FAQ Calendars Ford TSB's Register Login

hard starting 4.0

Printable Version

Ford >> Ford Trucks, Ford Vans & Ford SUV's >> Ford Ranger >> hard starting 4.0

Page: [1] 2 3 next > >>

Message

<< Older Topic Newer Topic >>

hard starting 4.0 - 12/23/2006 10:19:30 PM

mike0179

Posts: 20
Score: 0
Joined: 10/30/2006
Status: offline

Hi all,

My 99, 4.0 ranger has a hard time starting when its cold out and it has sit over night. I usally have to crank it twice until it will start and when it dose start it hesitates a little and then idles fine. I have replaced the idle air control and the fuel filter. The engine runs good and strong. Could bad plugs and wires cause hard starting? Any Ideas:
thanks,
mike

Post #: 1

RE: hard starting 4.0 - 12/27/2006 7:15:01 AM

mike0179

Posts: 20
Score: 0
Joined: 10/30/2006
Status: offline

Any one,

This is a returning probem. I bought the truck in october snd it had the same problem plud it would idle rough and die. I cganged the iac and it solved the problem. the truck would start in the coldest conditions, but now it returned minus the idle problems. On tuseday it was about 40 degrees out and it fired instanly.

< Message edited by mike0179 -- 12/27/2006 7:18:42 AM >

(in reply to mike0179)

Post #: 2

RE: hard starting 4.0 - 12/27/2006 10:28:22 PM

sjwoody

Posts: 54
Score: 0
Joined: 11/23/2006
Status: offline

With the truck turned off, fuel pressure should remain in the fuel manifold. If an injector is leaking off the pressure, it may cause your problem. It will also bleed fuel into the oil system (past the rings). Does your oil smell of fuel, or does the level increase slowly over time? Also, you can check for pressure at the fuel pressure test port on the fuel rail after the truck sits overnight. Just push in on the valve stem, and you should get a spray of fuel. Good luck.

(in reply to mike0179)

Post #: 3

RE: hard starting 4.0 - 12/28/2006 9:31:06 PM

wheelsup68

Posts: 431
Score: 0
Joined: 10/30/2006
Status: offline

Man, I like this guy sjwoody, it's like he is reading my mind. Another test you can use is to turn key for prime cycle of fuel pump without cranking, return key to off position and wait 5 seconds then try to crank if it fires quicker you have an injector leaking or fuel pump not holding pressure at rail. On a side note to your original ? Yes poor tune up equipment will also give you a hard start issue.

_____________________________

(in reply to sjwoody)

Post #: 4

RE: hard starting 4.0 - 12/31/2006 12:47:03 PM

mike0179

Posts: 20
Score: 0
Joined: 10/30/2006
Status: offline

Thanks, for the help! were is the pressure release at. I checked the oil qnd it dose seem fuller, although it is the first time I checked it since my oil change a month and a half ago. I tried cycling the ignition swithch like mentioed and that didnt help. I noticed that the negitive battery cable looks really corodide. I am going to replace it and see if it helps. thanks

< Message edited by mike0179 -- 1/1/2007 11:17:25 PM >

(in reply to wheelsup68)

Post #: 5

RE: hard starting 4.0 - 12/31/2006 2:21:15 PM

mike0179

Posts: 20
Score: 0
Joined: 10/30/2006
Status: offline

Well, I replaced the cable and it didnt help. I will chck the pressure release when I find out where it is; I cant even see the fuel rail.
could a senor be causing this problem? It only dose this when it is below freezing, other then that sarts fine.

(in reply to mike0179)

Post #: 6

RE: hard starting 4.0 - 1/1/2007 3:37:21 PM

mike0179

Posts: 20
Score: 0
Joined: 10/30/2006
Status: offline

Ok, I checked for pressure at the rail and there wasnt any pressure there untile I turned the key on. Is there anyway to figure out where it is bleeding off for sure? I had someone replace the fuel filter, could that be leaking?

< Message edited by mike0179 -- 1/1/2007 11:05:22 PM >

(in reply to mike0179)

Post #: 7

RE: hard starting 4.0 - 1/1/2007 11:16:23 PM

mike0179

Posts: 20
Score: 0
Joined: 10/30/2006
Status: offline

Well, I decide to look at the fuel filter, and down from the filter about six inhes were the line from the filter conects to the hard line I noticed a little dampness around the fitting. I checcked to see if it was loose and it was, so I tightend it with my hand. Im not sure if that was the cause or not. Do they tighten like that? Just wondering if I atually did anything. I guess I will see tomarrow when try to start it. When I drove the truck after that it did seem like it had more power when I tried to pass a car, but it may be all in my head. thanks

(in reply to mike0179)

Post #: 8

RE: hard starting 4.0 - 1/2/2007 6:37:38 PM

sjwoody

Posts: 54
Score: 0
Joined: 11/23/2006
Status: offline

Mike, my first generation fords (91-94) are likely different than your 99 as far as fuel filter and fittings...sorry I can't help you there. However, it sounds to me you're on the right track. One other thing I don't know is if there's a check valve at the pump itself inside the tank. We might be barking up the wrong tree here, but it sure sounds like you're losing manifold pressure somewhere. Hopefully, tightening that line solved your problem.
Thanks for the comment wheelsup...I consider that a compliment. Sometimes I do get things completely wrong though....

< Message edited by sjwoody -- 1/2/2007 6:39:26 PM >

(in reply to mike0179)

Post #: 9

RE: hard starting 4.0 - 1/2/2007 8:51:35 PM

mike0179

Posts: 20
Score: 0
Joined: 10/30/2006
Status: offline

Well, I went out this morning and tried to start it and it started a little better, still took 5 sec of cranking and still stumbled, but it was a lot warmer this morning. Is there sensors that could solve the problem. when its just above frezzing or warmer it starts ok. I still havent had time to have the fuel pressure yet because of work and school. The truck runs hard and strong even at high speeds.

(in reply to sjwoody)

Post #: 10