Sudden sputter to start
 

1999 F150 with 76000 original miles and it has ran great. I stopped today to get fuel and when I got back in to start the truck it sputtered and would not start. After about 20 minutes it started up with a slight sputter but stayed running, drove home no problem, no lagging no sputter just normal driving. Got home shut off truck, tried to start back up and same thing, sputters to start and only for about a few seconds and done. Now that I mention it on maybe 3 occasions in the past 2 years it would start and give a slight sputter but did fine, never shut off and now this. The fuel is fine, just filled up and had 3/4 tank when I topped off. I have read a few of the Threads with some relation to this but all the answers are all over the place. Knock on wood the only trouble ever from this truck is a new starter and OD flashing a few times. Truck is not used and abused, I take care of my vehicles. Any assist would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Noting the year and mileage of your vehicle and knowing what I do about this new corn fed fuel, I would start by doing a little cleaning to narrow diagnostics.


At this point it is hard to say with any certainty what the problem is, but I personally would start with a new fuel filter and follow the procedures in part 1 and part 3 of the following link.
How To Seafoam Your Car & Clean Carbon Buildup | Tech Aids & Articles


Again, this is just a start but I have seen success just in doing so.
Which engine do you have?


Do you have any codes stored? Like a random misfire or heated O2 sensor?
When was the last tune up, plugs, wires, ect?

Thanks for the response ModestRick. My engine is 4.6L V8. I did an oil change about 2 months ago and last tune up, maybe 2 years. I cant get a code when I connect my ODB cable it goes in and out for connecting and pops up error and/or the yellow light lights up at the question mark. I checked fuse for it and it is fine. I will check out the seafoam site you provided. Thanks again.

Check for lose or dirty grounds, especially at the computer. If you are still unable to connect the scanner I would suggest going to an auto parts like auto zone where they offer a free scan, see if theirs will connect. This is important to know.

After you do all the preliminary checks You might want to look into the fuel evap system.
Sounds like there could be a problem with either the vent solenoid/filter or the purge valve. Have you been topping off the tank too much? If so, the carbon canister may be ruined with liquid gasoline and need to be replaced.