Reluctant Start 4.2L
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 772
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From: White Sands, NM
Reluctant Start 4.2L
Hey folks,
I did a search on this problem but didn't really find anything helpful. Forgive me if I'm repeating an old topic.
I have a 97 F-150 4.2L with around 65K on it. The truck runs great but over the last couple of weeks it's developed a reluctance to start in the mornings.
Lately when I go out and start it in the morning it usually takes an extra couple of turns on the starter motor to start the engine. Once the engine starts it kind of sputters and half-idles to the point were you almost can't tell if it's running. This lasts about 3 or 4 seconds then the engine starts idleing fine.
I then back out of the driveway and proceed to the stop sign, which is MAYBE 500 ft away, I don't even get out of first gear. As soon as I hit the clutch to stop the engine RPM's drop real low again, dangerously close to stalling. In fact, it actually did stall this morning for the first time. If I give a few seconds, it comes back to idle speed and I can take off. The truck drives great from then on.
As long as the engine is warm it starts right up. Even if it's cold If I try to start it through the day I don't get the sputtering, but I do sometimes need more starter time than usual.
Plugs and wires were replaced in November. I cleaned the Throttle body last weekend. Fuel Filter was replaced in December. I have a K & N air filter so that should be fine. Battery is a Die-Hard and is good shape. Anybody have any ideas?
I did a search on this problem but didn't really find anything helpful. Forgive me if I'm repeating an old topic.
I have a 97 F-150 4.2L with around 65K on it. The truck runs great but over the last couple of weeks it's developed a reluctance to start in the mornings.
Lately when I go out and start it in the morning it usually takes an extra couple of turns on the starter motor to start the engine. Once the engine starts it kind of sputters and half-idles to the point were you almost can't tell if it's running. This lasts about 3 or 4 seconds then the engine starts idleing fine.
I then back out of the driveway and proceed to the stop sign, which is MAYBE 500 ft away, I don't even get out of first gear. As soon as I hit the clutch to stop the engine RPM's drop real low again, dangerously close to stalling. In fact, it actually did stall this morning for the first time. If I give a few seconds, it comes back to idle speed and I can take off. The truck drives great from then on.
As long as the engine is warm it starts right up. Even if it's cold If I try to start it through the day I don't get the sputtering, but I do sometimes need more starter time than usual.
Plugs and wires were replaced in November. I cleaned the Throttle body last weekend. Fuel Filter was replaced in December. I have a K & N air filter so that should be fine. Battery is a Die-Hard and is good shape. Anybody have any ideas?
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 326
Likes: 0
From: Southwest
Reluctant Start 4.2L
It's kind of a half assed way to diagnose but here goes. My moms truck wouldn't start and I suspected it wasn't getting enough fuel at start up. I sprayed in a little (emphasize little) ether and it fired right up and then stalled. I then removed the fuel injectors and took them to a shop and had them cleaned professionally. No problems since. If you want to save money and time try putting a couple cans of Sea Foam in your tank. Available at most auto parts stores.
