I have a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer V6 (not 4WD)

Tiny
FILMBOSS
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER
  • 125,000 MILES
I have a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer V6 (not 4WD). After it sits overnight, I have to crank and crank it before it starts. Sometimes it kills the battery. Once it starts, it runs great all day long, however, if it sits for more than 4 hours, I have to do the cranking thing all over again. Some have said it's a fuel pump problem, others have said it's as simple as cleaning the fuel injectors. Fuel pumps are very expensive repairs. Help!
Saturday, December 1st, 2012 AT 6:13 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Have the fuel pressure checked first.

Roy
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Saturday, December 1st, 2012 AT 6:15 PM
Tiny
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How do I do that? My engine knowledge is limited, but I'm a smart guy and can follow directions.
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Saturday, December 1st, 2012 AT 6:16 PM
Tiny
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You need a pressure gauge that you can rent at a parts store.

Roy
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Saturday, December 1st, 2012 AT 6:23 PM
Tiny
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Ok. That I can do. I'm assuming the pressure gage has instructions? Is this something I "rent" or purchase? Pep Boys have something like that?
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Saturday, December 1st, 2012 AT 6:25 PM
Tiny
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Yes, peps does have it and it is a rent. Instructions are included

Roy
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Saturday, December 1st, 2012 AT 6:26 PM
Tiny
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Also if there's low pressure, what does that tell me? Fuel pump? Injectors or simply that I'm majorly screwed and it's gonna cost a gazillion dollars to fix?
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Saturday, December 1st, 2012 AT 6:26 PM
Tiny
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Forget about injectors. They would be an issue cold or hot.

Yes, the pump would have to be replaced if it is low

Roy
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Saturday, December 1st, 2012 AT 6:29 PM
Tiny
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So if low pressure, fuel pump. Got it. One mechanic did say above symptons could very easily be injectors. Tempature outside has nothing to do with anything as I live in Los Angeles. Injector guy said if injectors clogged, this could happen and once engine eventually starts, and injectors stay warm, car runs fine. Once injectors sit and get cold again, cranking needed. He recommended trying a product called Zmax. Helps clean injectors. Is he off his rocker? If low pressure, fuel pump, but what if pressure is fine? Injectors?
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Saturday, December 1st, 2012 AT 6:33 PM
Tiny
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Once again, if the injectors were the issue, it would be all the time not just cold and there would be many other complaints

Roy
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Saturday, December 1st, 2012 AT 6:45 PM
Tiny
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Thank you. I've gotten repair quotes for a fuel pump at roughly $750 including labor. Does that sound about right?
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Saturday, December 1st, 2012 AT 6:50 PM

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