I have a 1997 F250 460 that is hard to start sometimes. Cranks over fine, battery is new, but sometimes doesn't start the first time. It does this when engine is cold or hot. It does eventually start, but seems to be getting worse with time. Doesn't matter if it's on the front or rear tank, it will be difficult to start sometimes.
I have this info from TorquePro:

Test report:
------------------
TID:$01 CID:$11
- Rich to Lean sensor threshold voltage(constant)
Min: 512
Test result value: 855
PASS
----
TID:$01 CID:$21
- Rich to Lean sensor threshold voltage(constant)
Min: 512
Test result value: 856
PASS
----
TID:$02 CID:$11
- Lean to Rich sensor threshold voltage(constant)
Max: 32,686 Min: 32,850
Test result value: 4
FAIL
----
TID:$02 CID:$21
- Lean to Rich sensor threshold voltage(constant)
Max: 32,686 Min: 32,850
Test result value: 65,535
FAIL
----
TID:$03 CID:$01
- Low sensor Voltage for switch time calculation
Min: 0
Test result value: 461
PASS
----
TID:$03 CID:$02
- Low sensor Voltage for switch time calculation
Min: 0
Test result value: 461
PASS
----
TID:$10 CID:$21
-
Max: 128
Test result value: 3,073
FAIL
----
TID:$31 CID:$01
-
Min: 32
Test result value: 255
PASS
----
TID:$41 CID:$11
-
Min: 64,512
Test result value: 4
FAIL
----
TID:$41 CID:$12
-
Max: 512
Test result value: 4
PASS
----
TID:$45 CID:$20
-
Max: 20,375
Test result value: 12,618
PASS
----
TID:$4a CID:$30
-
Min: 768
Test result value: 1,022
PASS
----
TID:$4b CID:$30
-
Max: 26,214
Test result value: 15,379
PASS
----

End of report.


Thanks for any suggestions,
David

 

It is hard to tell what you were testing with that report. Was it running for the test? What fault codes were stored in the PCM? Is it getting poor mileage?(

 

Not running. Mileage is 9 not quite 10. Code p0320.

 

Mileage is normal then. that code is normally indicative of a PIP sensor failure. I would check all of your ignition connections, including, plug wires, and especially the coil connections. There could be faulty components, but checking connections comes first. Make sure you're plugs are all clean and gapped properly. I believe factory is 0.042-0.046.

Since you have a 97 I have to ask;
Does your engine look like this?


Or like this?

 

Mine is not as clean as the first but nowhere near as dirty as the second. I see the difference on the intake. Mine is the first picture.
Problem fixed. Replaced stator.
Thanks for your replies.

 

I believe he is saying you nailed it.

 

How well do you know the california emissions 7.5L? I'm fighting an intermittent rough start condition as well. It will start with a loping super rich start like a dragster with a radical cam. It blows black smoke out of the exhaust and reeks of gas. Most of the time it starts just fine, but when it does the problem, there is nothing that seems to fix it unless I let it sit for awhile. I've replaced plugs, wires, coil, distributor, 02 sensors, coolant temperature sensor, fuel pressure regulator, fuel pumps, fuel filter, ignition control module, checked the injectors with a NOID light, checked the pressure on the exhaust before the cat, and have cleaned the EGR valve and mass air flow sensor. When it first started I had a random misfire code. Nothing since. I'm also experiencing what feels like a vapor lock when running the engine at low speeds after warmup, like going up a mountain. The engine will just die like it's starved of gas and then takes a bit to restart like it's cooling off. I have also changed from a cold air intake setup back to the factory air box so that the intake air sensor would be contained back into the original air box and away from the exhaust manifold.

Any ideas would be greatly helpful as I'm running out of ideas, money, and parts.
1997 F-350 XLT
7.5L california emissions
120,000 miles

 

Sounds like one or more bad injectors. Make friends with a mechanic that has an expensive snap on scanner. That will get you farther than anything else will. There should only be 50 state f-350's but I'm open to having my mind changed. I'd love to see pics of your pcm and engine bay.