I'm working out the sludge issues, which I think was just bad crankcase venting, old cheap oil, etc..

another issue I'm curious about, since I got it I've had to crank it for a second to get it started, it also idles a bit rough.. not terribly rough, but noticeable.

Since I pulled the intake, cleaned the injectors (just soaked them in carb cleaner overnight) and cleaned the IAC I've had it not want to start on me a couple of times, like a lack of fuel. The idle is lower and more stable and once I get it started it seems to run pretty good.
There's no hesitation when I give it gas, the engine feels underpowered in the lowend but it is pretty responsive. You wouldn't be able to tell it was having issues if you didn't let it sit and idle.

if I was losing fuel pressure, I would notice hesitation somewhere, wouldn't I? not really use to EFI.. the above symptoms seem like lack of fuel pressure somewhere, but I don't see how it would run as well as it does if I was losing pressure.. or could it be sticky valves due to my aforementioned (in another thread) sludge issue?

my main question is, for you EFI people, if I was losing fuel pressure would it run OK other than a hard start and rough idle? or would I have many more symptoms?

Should also mention when I pulled the injectors the fuel rails leaked fuel, but they didn't seem to be pressurised. In my CRV when I disconnected the fuel pump it shot out fuel, but I know some vehicles lose pressure, by design, when shut off.

 

i wouldnt think fuel pressure is your prob, fuel pressure problems and fuel filters clooged usually sho up under load or higher rpm's not at idle. check for carbon build up on the throttle plates, very common and also causes rough idle. also, check for vacuum leaks that would cause rough idle. both of these things may not be noticible while driving, which happens to match your symptoms somewhat.

 

I cleaned my throttle body pretty well.. I can't find a vacuum leak anywhere, checked all vacuum going to my upper intake. I pull a hose, it idles higher, plug it, it idles like it did before.

I should mention that its not very consistent, it's like my bronco has bad moods. Not dependent on operating temperatures either.

could this be my idle being set wrong? my throttle body linkage (the part that hits the screw) has always been screwy, i had to bend it when I first bought it because it was catching on itself and wouldnt open all the way.
I tried following procedure, bent it to get it to idle at around in park 650RPMs with the IAC unplugged.

 

Sounds like you need to get a gauge and check fuel pressure, it is supposed to make and hold 40psi at the rail so if it doesn't you could have a bad pump or leaky injectors or a bad regulator.

 

the guy I got it from said he had just paid to have the pump replaced.. where is the fuel pressure regulator at?