My 02 ford V10 is hard starting. If I start it every day, it will start and run well. If I let it sit longer than one day I need to spray some starting fluid to get it to run. I turn the key on and let it pump up before I try to start it. After it starts with starting fluid, and runs for a minute or so it will start up with no problem. Ant thoughts appreciated. Stan

 

Mileage? Last time plugs were changed? Tune up maintenance records?

 

It could be a lot of things, like a temp sensor not, IAC, weak spark, low fuel pressure, weak battery, vacuum leak or a few dozen other things.

What can you tell us to narrow it down a bit?

 

The motor has 38,000 mi. Nothing shows up on a scan. It is just the first start. After that it starts like a new one. I changed the fuel filter also. One question should I hear the fuel pump running in the tank all the time? I don't hear the pump running ever, but I drive it after it startes. I would think that would eliminate the pump? Stan

 

My guess would be the IAC(idle air control). Try giving it gas when you try to start it, if it catches I would try cleaning it or replacing it.

 

I would start with a fuel pressure reading.

 

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Be careful with the ether.

I second the fuel pressure reading. It's as though a weak pump cannot keep up with the needed extra fuel of a cold start.

Does it lose power loaded heavy, or climbing a long hill under extra throttle?

Wes
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I don't like using ether either. I will try using gas in the inlet instead. It doesn't lose power on hills. Thanks for the help. Stan

 

try turning the key on and off 5 or 6 times on cold starts

 

I did turn the key on, and off several times, and it started. what does this mean? Stan

 

it just primes the fuel system more...kinda like after you install a new fuel filter

 

So do you think everything is ok? Stan

 

No, that would indicate that you're not getting a full "charge" of fuel when you turn the key on.

As stated earlier, get your fuel pressure measured.

 

i have somewhat of the same problem...on morning starts i have to crank about twice as long as normal....im thinking my problem is fuel pressure regulator....my truck actually started "choked out" the other morning and i hit the gas a little and it roared to life...if i kill the truck at the gas station i stop at every morning before work...my truck will bog at takeoff...if i let it run while im there it runs fine

 

I have ordered a complete repair manual. I have been working on motors since the late 50's. Back then things were so simple. These new vehicles make my head hurt. Until my manual arrives, where can I look for the connection to install a pressure gauge? When the key is on, and the pump has charged the system, does it shut off? Stan