Engine turns but will not fire (sometimes)
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New User
Joined: Dec 2003
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Engine turns but will not fire (sometimes)
First post here at this forum. For two times now in the last 3 weeks I've had a problem cranking my f150. The engine turns fine but it will not "turn over". After a few minutes of trying it will finally crank. It will suddenly decide to crank like normal. Seems to have enough "juice" in the battery since the motor will turn and turn. When it finally does crank, it runs fine. I believe I can hear the whine of the fuel pump when I first turn the key. I put a new fuel filter on about 4 months ago. I only have one key. Where would be a good place to start? My truck is a 2001 f-150 automatic extended cab v-6 with 62000 miles. Thanks for any help.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 383
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From: Mililani, Hawaii
I guess if the starter is acting up it could do that, possible ignition maybe, fuel pump could cause that to. Sounds to me like a little bit of an electrical problem, maybe a short. stick around though....there are some awesome truck owners on this site that will likely get you a better answer than mine.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Texas
Woah.... my truck has been doing that since the day i got it. It will do it when it is hot or cold, doesnt matter. Ill turn the key, and the engine turns fine.... but doesnt start. Ive learned to deal with it though. Its never not started at all, like where i have to get a jump from someone, it just takes a while.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: La Tech University, La
Hmm...weird. I have never had a problem with mine. Are yalls autos or sticks? perhapsif it is an auto have you tried bum[ing your shifter to make sure it realizes it is in park?
ok I seee yours is an auto, what about yours Bean?
ok I seee yours is an auto, what about yours Bean?
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Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Lufkin
The only 'natural' thing that happens with mine is every once in while (maybe 2-3 times/month) I will try and start it, but it dies as soon as it starts. I think it's just because I get in a hurry and don't let the truck crank all the way up. (in other words, I start turning it over too soon.)
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2004
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wow i never thouht about the fuel pump, it really made that big of difference.????? Right now when i drive my 4.2 like on expressway speeds then come off the express way to normal street speeds i get alot of hesitation. not sure what that is.
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From: Lufkin
Well, with my explorer it would just drag around wherever we went. At times when I was just at idle, it would stutter like it was going to quit, and then it would perk back up. Eventually, it went completely bad and the thing wouldn't start. I tried everything I could think of, but in the end the fuel pump just went out with 135,000 miles on the engine. 
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2004
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hahaha yah that manul is my favorite tool for the 4.2 i think. Honestly though, i can do most things but i need to replace the starter and the fuel pump on my 4.2. the starter im not worried about, but ive never done a fuel pump before..... im not sure if i should *gasp* take it to the shop and have it done.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 383
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From: Mililani, Hawaii
its not bad....just run the tank down to as low as you can, and still get to a gas station from where you plan to work on it. stick a floor jack and a block of wood under the tank and lift it to relieve the tension on the straps...and unhook them...dont over lift it though. then just lower it and disconnect the fuel lines and hoses...then lower the tank off....then just follow the Haynes manual (which I think covers everthing from start to finish).
its not bad but...make sure you have extra gas on hand...a new gasket....RTV....JB weld. you may not need all of it...but if you do need it it may be too late to get it....
I would allow a half day...I dont think it would take that long but that way you have no time pressue to force you to rush.
All in all its not to bad....BUT...I would make damn sure thats the problem...because it would be a shame to go through all that and fire it up with the same problem.
its not bad but...make sure you have extra gas on hand...a new gasket....RTV....JB weld. you may not need all of it...but if you do need it it may be too late to get it....
I would allow a half day...I dont think it would take that long but that way you have no time pressue to force you to rush.
All in all its not to bad....BUT...I would make damn sure thats the problem...because it would be a shame to go through all that and fire it up with the same problem.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 383
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From: Mililani, Hawaii
gas resistant RTV if the gasket around anything on that tank wont seal properly or you damage the new one....and jb weld to repair any small holes from rust or other damage. (gas tank repair kits will do the same thing). Like I said you may never need it, but once the tank is off the truck is not going anywhere, especially a parts store. its just a good idea to be prepared....like a little girl scout.