My 96' Ranger is having some problems starting in the cold temperatures. I read to post about hard starting 4.0. My ranger is a 4.0 and about 7 months ago I changed the plugs and wires and EGR valve. I do not have any check engine lights on. I tried turning on my key for 5 seconds and turning it off and then trying to start it and that has seemed to help a lot. I am assuming it ishaving problems holding pressure in the fuel system. I have a new fuel filter and am planning to change that tommorow. My valve covers do leak so I am planning on changing those as well as the intake gasket. Any ideas on how to solve thispressure leak???? Also, in order to change fuel filter, is there any special method on doing that?? Never done it before.

 

Your fuel pump either has the plastic clips retaing the filter to lines or it has the spring locks which will require a special tool to remove. If you have the right tools it is an easy job. Your starting issue is probably a fuel pump going bad as in leaking your pressure off back into the tank. Just continue to go with what you got. At least with it not starting right away you give the oil pump a chance to move some oil first. LOL

 

Okay here we go...If your fuel pressure regulator has a vacuum fitting, check it for wetness. If it's wet, replace the FPR and your problem should be fixed.Next thing you'll need (if you want to pursue this) is a fuel pressure gauge made for fuel injection systems. The old style vacuum/fuel pressure combination gauges don't read a high enough pressure. You might be able to talk your local autoparts store into lending one of their "loan-a-tools", but none around me will do this. If not, you'll need to borrow one from a tech, or buy one (starting at around 40 bucks). Hook it up (I hope you have a test port on your fuel rail...mine does) and start up the truck. Check your specs for proper fuel pressure and make sure it holds at least partial pressure for several hours after you shut down the engine. If it holds pressure overnight, look elsewhere for your problem.

If it immediately bleeds off pressure, find something (vise grips or c-clamp) to pinch a rubber part of your fuel supply line...near your filter might be a good place. Before you pinch the line, turn the key "on" (to build pressure back up) turn key off, and then pinch the line to prevent leakage back to the pump. If you maintain pressure, your pump is bad, since you've just isolated it. If it still bleeds off, build pressure back up again and pinch the return line back to the tank from the fuel pressure regulator. If it still bleeds off, you've got leaking injectors (or a bad FPR but you should have already checked that). If you think it's the injectors, run injector cleaner through. Probably wont help, but it's worth a try.