hard starting
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Marshalltown, IA
hard starting
Is there any thing to check for to fix a hard starting problem? I have a 98 ranger 3.0 that has been hard to start lately. It seems to run fine, but I have to turn it over about 5 seconds or so longer than normal for it to start. It seems like it just started doing this now that it is cold out, but it never did it any other winter. It does have a new battery, and I plan on putting new plugs/wires on tomorow. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.
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Joined: Jan 2002
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From: suburban atlanta
Slow starting is different from hard starting. Try turning the key to ON, wait a few seconds, turn OFF, repeat this about 3-4 times. Then try to start. If it starts and runs OK, you may have fuel leakdown from the pump, regulator or injectors. It is a quick and cheap test.
If it starts the same, try cleaning the IAC and throttle plate.
You can also check for codes from the ECM, and check the resistance on your ACT and ECT sensors. (air temp and coolant temp) They fiddle with the mixture when the engine is cold and/or the air is cold.
tom
If it starts the same, try cleaning the IAC and throttle plate.
You can also check for codes from the ECM, and check the resistance on your ACT and ECT sensors. (air temp and coolant temp) They fiddle with the mixture when the engine is cold and/or the air is cold.
tom
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Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Island Southeast Alaska
If you are depressing the throttle like a carbed engine that could be your problem. If an injected gas engine dose not start by reaching in and turning key to start. Than ya need to start with a tune up. So many people press the throttle when starting an injected engine from habit. Have a friend that pumps hers and can't brake her of it. on the early systems this would cause a back fire and warp the throttle or air door as we called them on Rabbits. Now days there is a sensor that will shut of the fuel when ya do this. But it still lets in to much air when ya do this.
Last edited by arctic y block; Jan 17, 2007 at 09:41 AM.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Marshalltown, IA
Nope, I don't touch the throttle. I plan on doing a tune up today, it is due for one anyways. It always starts, just a little slower and runs fine once it does start. Its no biggie, just makes me nervous sometimes, and I'd like to get it figured out before it gets worse.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Island Southeast Alaska
Dose Ford use a cold start sensor? And what is ford calling it? And where is it located on a small block. I have replaced dozens on SBC in the last couple years but not on a Ford. Why?
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From: ut
Fuel leak down could be one of 4 possibilities. A leak somewhere in the lines between the tank and fuel rail, a bypassing fuel pressure regulator, a failed check valve at the fuel pump, or leaking injectors.
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Joined: Jan 2002
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From: suburban atlanta
You check fuel leakdown in an injected system by closing off the fuel return line that leads from the regulator to the tank. If the pressure still drops, you have leaking injectors or a leaky check valve in the fuel pump. If it smokes, bet on the injectors, but if not, bet on the fuel pump check valve.
If the pressure does not drop with the return line blocked (use a clamp on the flexy part, but it probably will be very fragile, so be careful), most likely the regulator check valve is bad.
You need a fuel pressure gauge that you can connect to the schrader (valve stem) gauge on the injector assembly.
tom
If the pressure does not drop with the return line blocked (use a clamp on the flexy part, but it probably will be very fragile, so be careful), most likely the regulator check valve is bad.
You need a fuel pressure gauge that you can connect to the schrader (valve stem) gauge on the injector assembly.
tom
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