2003 XLS 4.0 Starting Issues

MSM0075 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-06-2009, 10:03 PM

I just bought an '03 Explorer XLS 4.0 4x4w 107k miles on it. This is the second time I'm having starting problems. The previous owner have owned the car for over 4 years and hasn't had this problem. The trucks been fine for me until last week, Some days it will not start. just cranks and cranks. I checked fuel pressure and its in spec. I tried hitting the Fuel Pump Inertia(Spelling?) switch, Tried holding the pedal down to the floor, just a boging sound when trying to start. Nothing. The first time I pulled the the plugs and they were slightly wet and STUNK like gas. Reinstalled plugs, nothing, Next morning, fired RIGHT up. Today same problem. I didn't bother checking anything this time. But I've noticed this is happening when its very moist outside. Engine bay alomst looked wet in some areas.

I don't know what else to check, Can anyone help me to what I should look for? I have plenty of tools to do the job, Just lead me in the right directions please and I'll reply after trying!

Please!
Michael

marragtop · #2 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 06:01 AM

If the plugs are wet, it sounds like you are getting fuel which would imply it's spark related. Since the problem seems to occur when it's wet outside, that also points to spark. Could be ignition wires, or the crank or cam sensor. Have you pulled the codes? There may be a code stored even if the CEL is out.

MSM0075 · #3 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marragtop

If the plugs are wet, it sounds like you are getting fuel which would imply it's spark related. Since the problem seems to occur when it's wet outside, that also points to spark. Could be ignition wires, or the crank or cam sensor. Have you pulled the codes? There may be a code stored even if the CEL is out.

I'll have to check for codes stored. Good idea. Thank you!

MSM0075 · #4 (**permalink**) 11-17-2009, 10:18 PM

I wanted to clean the engine bay before I painted the truck. I started it up, let it run. sprayed my cleaner around the engine bay, scrubbed, went to rinse it down, within seconds, engine stalled out. I tried restarting, nothing. I took compressed air to the coil pack removing one wire at a time and taking my air gun to the wires and each section of the coil pack, started right up.....

Still havn't ran stored codes yet..