I have done some searching prior to posting this, but my symptoms aren't consistent. This past Friday, wife called in a panic because the X wouldn't start. Her initial description sounded like a battery to me. After the smoke cleared, it turns out the truck ran for all of about two seconds, then died. When I got to the house, it was cranking fine, wouldn't start. So, I turned the key on and off about three times and she fired right up. Rest of the day Friday, no problem. Found a loose ground but nothing major. Saturday morning, got ready to go to the store, and truck started for a few seconds, then died. Turned the key on and off three times, started up no problem. Has not done that again so far. Fuel pressure is about 35 PSI and I believe 35-40 is spec. Yesterday, trying to duplicate it at work, the truck started, but then RPM's dipped a bit and idled back up to normal. Swapped fuel pump relay with quarter window relay last night for grins and started OK today. Leaning towards fuel pump going out, but not positive. Thoughts? Oh, 2000 V-10 XLT4x4 120K
Thanks in advance for your help!

 

have you thought about ignition related, maybe same scenario like a relay working intermittent.

If you have pressure on the rail, pump is working. Next time it doesn't start, don't play with the key. Stop and check the fuel pressure to eliminate that. If it has pressure, look into the ignition side of things.

 

Also with it not being consistant look towards poor connection somewhere. Check things like the Air Flow Meter. If its not reading it won't allow the engine to start either. Hopefully it will be as simple as a loose or corrosion on the connection.

 

Yesterday morning, cranked it, revved up to about 1200 RPM and died again. Checked fuel pressure with a gauge last night before leaving work. With key on, pressure was about 32 PSI. Truck started up, idle dipped a little then came right back up to normal. Left the gauge hooked up and pressure was still just below 40 PSI last night. Still had over 30 PSI this morning and started right up again, no problem. Talking to a 2000-2001 owner of a Power Stroke he mentioned an intermittent crank sensor problem he had on his 7.3 and thought it was an intermittent issue on some V-10s too. Anyone have info about this possibly?

 

My first thought was what mine can do when it's really low on fuel and is unhappy, but I see yours is a gasser. They, gas and diesel, are 2 different animals and won't share problems like that.

 

I was a bit puzzled by that too. No codes, leaning towards fuel pump, but don't want to dump the $$$ on a unit until I know for sure.

 

My excursion is a 7.3 diesel and I would go to the store and shut it down and shop. When we would leave the store it would not start Just turn over. I found a page that showed the replacement of the brake light switch as it controls the lock for pulling the gear shift lever down into gear. I have replaced mine and so far it runs and have not had this problem again yet. will let you know how it goes it also made the interior light work better too.

 

Have you checked the fuel filter? Instead of checking it I would just replace it. It is not expensive and not hard to do. I had a pump go bad and when it did it just went and that was it.

 

What about the pats security system. Isn't this what it does is shuts the fuel system down? Could even be a bad chip in the key, are you using the same key every time?

 

Fuel filter replaced not too long ago. Since I had no idea when it was done last. Replaced before this problem began.
As far as the key, it happened with two different keys at different times. Hasn't given any trouble for a while.
Brake switch is good, sometimes I start the truck in neutral to help take some strain off the starter. Seems to fire off a little quicker too in neutral.

 

I'm thinking IAC or Idle Air Control valve...

Have you tried starting it with the accelerator fully depressed?

If it starts and stays running while you're goosing the accelerator, the IAC needs to be cleaned.