I have a 97 F150 with the 4.6L. I am having an intermitant starting problem that I can't figure out. It seems when there is a change in air temp is when it occurs. For example if it is really warm one day and the next morning it is cooler, it won't start right away. I end up having to press the gas pedal to the floor like it is flooded. When it does start there is a little bit of fuel smoke that comes from the tailpipe. The rest of the day it will usually start just fine. There was one day that it was really cold out and I brought it into the shop where is was heated, had it there for probably 45min and it did the same thing. Is there possibly a sensor that detects different temps for fuel mixture? One other thing there is no check engine light on.

 

i would check your idle air control valve it is the only way these engines get any air. do a search on it and read up. but the having to hold down the pedal to start sounds like it could be your problem. the air temp doesn't make much sense but it could be it.