1999 Ford Explorer Poor cold starting

Tiny
MUSTANGFREAK2
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 FORD EXPLORER
Engine problem
1999 Ford Explorer V6 All Wheel Drive Automatic 176kms miles

I have a '99 explorer with a 4.0L SOHC. It runs fine once it is warmed up and if not left over night, but if below -10 deg. Celcius it won't run without using the gas pedal for 3 minutes. Prior to this if the truck sat for more than a couple of hours you would have to cycle the key to cycle the fuel pump twice to get enough pressure to start, then it would start fine. I do get bank 1 and bank 2 LEAN codes every once in a while. I have replaced the ECT sensor and the IAC valve with no change. The first place I would normally look is the fuel pressure regulator, BUT try and find it. There is only a fuel injector pulse dampner which can't regulate pressure. I have tested the pressure to be 65lbs (seems about 30lbs high to me) and the pressure bleeds off after about 30 seconds (hence the key cycling to start). How does this vehicle regulate fuel pressure? Where can I get a fuel system diagram? My Haynes manual shows a different system with a fuel regulator where my injector pulse dampner is and also shows a probe like vacuum valve on the top of the intake manifold mine doesn't have. PLEASE HELP, My dealer won't tell me anything because they want me to bring it in, so they can spend hours going over the same things I already have. THANKYOU, Sorry for the long explanation, but it should help.
Saturday, December 8th, 2007 AT 12:58 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Sounds more like a failing fuel pump. When the pump is turned off or stops running, the system should hold residual pressure for several minutes (look up the specs to see how much pressure drop is allowed over a given period of time). If pressure drops quickly, the vehicle may have a leaky fuel line, a leaky fuel pump check valve, a leaky fuel pressure regulator or one or more leaky fuel injectors. Low residual fuel pressure can cause hard starting.
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Saturday, December 8th, 2007 AT 3:51 PM

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