2001 Windstar starting problem
 

Having a problem with starting the van. If the fuel pump primes itself, it will start, if it does not prime, van just cranks, but wont turn over. Its hit or miss if its gonna prime. Fuel pressure is low 20's, key on-motor off. If i repeat the prime cycle 3 times pressure will get to 30ish. And 29 engine on; 39 engine on, vacuum hose removed from pressure regulator.

Any thoughts. I am new to diagnosing fuel system problems.

Thanks in advance!

It seems to point to the fuel pump. It could be electrical.So you need to see if there is a voltage drop. Maybe yo can find the fault by inspecting the connectors and wiring.

It could be that the fuel system is partially clogged. May be there is dirt in the tank near the pick up. The filter might be clogged.

The fuel pressure regulator may be bad.

Hope you found a solution by now. If not, here is what I did. The symptom had no reaction by turning the key to start a motor. Just a small click noise. After through trial and error. I replaced a STARTER INTERRUPT RELAY switch. The switch box is located in the under the hood. The location number is #302 in the switch box.