Engine turns over, won't start (????)
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New User
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: DFW Texas
Engine turns over, won't start (????)
My 2001 Explorer Sport has a problem starting some mornings. I can get the engine to turn over, but it just won't start. Usually if I wait about an hour and try again it starts. I just had the battery tested and it's fine. Need some ideas on what it may be, so when I take it to the shop I don't get the run around. Would appreciate any and all suggestions!! Thanks!
P.S. If anyone knows any QUALITY, HONEST mechanics in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, I would love a lead too!!
P.S. If anyone knows any QUALITY, HONEST mechanics in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, I would love a lead too!!
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 69
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From: Fayetteville,AR
my sister-in-law has the same problem on her 01 with 4.0 SOHC. Her's is really hard to start in the morning but, when it starts it runs fine. (REALLY hard to start. My 79 300I6 starts easier in cold weather!) I keep reading about the problems with the intake o-rings. However, I can't figure out how this causes the engine to be hard to start in the morning and not all the time. Also read some posts about the IAC sensor and a little about a air temperature sensor.
I know that this is very little help, but I am very empathetic.
SawZall
I know that this is very little help, but I am very empathetic.
SawZall
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 252
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I'm no mechanic but here are some thoughts from experience (see thread "91 Explorer won't start")
A vehicle needs spark and fuel to run (obviously) so...
Ignition:
check plugs, wires, coil pack
Fuel:
check the fuel relay, fuel fuse (in power distribution box), does the fuel pump make a "whir" sound for about 3 seconds when you put key on before starting? Is there fuel at the Schrader valve (on fuel rail)?
I have more if you provide some feedback.
A vehicle needs spark and fuel to run (obviously) so...
Ignition:
check plugs, wires, coil pack
Fuel:
check the fuel relay, fuel fuse (in power distribution box), does the fuel pump make a "whir" sound for about 3 seconds when you put key on before starting? Is there fuel at the Schrader valve (on fuel rail)?
I have more if you provide some feedback.
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 69
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From: Fayetteville,AR
All the above checks out OK.
I think that it is a bad intake gasket. From what I have read there are o-rings between the upper and lower halves of the intake manifold. When the weather is cool (< 45 F) the o-rings shrink and allow air to leak past them. This causes a "lean" condition in the cylinders. When the engine finally starts the o-rings swell and seal the leak.
I think that it is a bad intake gasket. From what I have read there are o-rings between the upper and lower halves of the intake manifold. When the weather is cool (< 45 F) the o-rings shrink and allow air to leak past them. This causes a "lean" condition in the cylinders. When the engine finally starts the o-rings swell and seal the leak.
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 69
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From: Fayetteville,AR
oh..yea and the fuel milage went down the pipes.
I also looked at the IAC and it looks new. I have seen new parts that were bad, but the motor sounds like there is a vacum leak when it tries to start.
I also looked at the IAC and it looks new. I have seen new parts that were bad, but the motor sounds like there is a vacum leak when it tries to start.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 252
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My mistake. I thought you had "no" start not "hard" start.
It can't hurt to check all the things I mentioned though!
When I had issues with my rig gas mileage was down to a ridiculous low (like 8MPG) it was due to a faulty fuel pump regulator. They seem to be a notorious item on Fords (like the IAC and intake seals). These intemitent failures caused "system lean" and "system rich" codes with corresponding shifts in MPG.
In the end there was so much fuel entering the combustion chamber it fouled the plugs and eventually no-start. I replaced the IAC, FPR, O2 sensor, plugs and wires checked the coil, MAF drained and replaced the oil and filter (the crankcase was filled with an fuel/oil mixture) and it has run beautifully ever since. Decent MPG and no CEL's.
As you said issues relating to the seals on the intake seem to crop in many threads in the Forum. I think I'll tear down the upper intake manifold and replace the seals this spring.
It's an easy job in May, tough in February (for us in the North).
Good luck with it!
It can't hurt to check all the things I mentioned though!
When I had issues with my rig gas mileage was down to a ridiculous low (like 8MPG) it was due to a faulty fuel pump regulator. They seem to be a notorious item on Fords (like the IAC and intake seals). These intemitent failures caused "system lean" and "system rich" codes with corresponding shifts in MPG.
In the end there was so much fuel entering the combustion chamber it fouled the plugs and eventually no-start. I replaced the IAC, FPR, O2 sensor, plugs and wires checked the coil, MAF drained and replaced the oil and filter (the crankcase was filled with an fuel/oil mixture) and it has run beautifully ever since. Decent MPG and no CEL's.
As you said issues relating to the seals on the intake seem to crop in many threads in the Forum. I think I'll tear down the upper intake manifold and replace the seals this spring.
It's an easy job in May, tough in February (for us in the North).
Good luck with it!
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