Starting Delay (Fuel Injector or Fuel Pump??)

devster · #1 11-16-2010, 01:39 PM

My 3.0 XLT takes a couple of tries to get her to start and is especially bad when it's cold. I turn the key and it takes 5-10 seconds to turn over. Any idea what could be going on? Could this possibly be a problem with the fuel injector?

modelageek · #2 11-16-2010, 02:32 PM

First thing to suspect is fuel presure. Change the fuel filter and then check the fuel pressure

devster · #3 11-25-2010, 12:48 PM

I finally got myself a fuel pressure gage and there is definitely something going on. It reads really low when I turn it on and if I turn it on again it increases, but when I get it up to the pressure range that it should be and turn it off, it loses pressure almost immediately... what do I do!?

modelageek · #4 11-25-2010, 03:17 PM

I would change the fuel filter and add some techron to the tank. Your check valve is acting up. Techron might help the check valve. you might need a pump

ShadeTreeMech · #5 11-27-2010, 09:38 PM

I had the same problem in a Chrysler minivan. The fuel pressure check valve was allowing fuel pressure bleed back into the tank when the engine was shut off. The check valve was in the fuel pump which was in the gas tank. A couple of hours with a buddy helping me change it and it worked perfectly again! Never had any more problems. If you don't want to change it, you probably don't need to, so long as you always have a strong battery, since you have to crank 8-10 seconds to start the engine, but it is annoying.

devster · #6 11-28-2010, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShadeTreeMech

I had the same problem in a Chrysler minivan. The fuel pressure check valve was allowing fuel pressure bleed back into the tank when the engine was shut off. The check valve was in the fuel pump which was in the gas tank. A couple of hours with a buddy helping me change it and it worked perfectly again! Never had any more problems. If you don't want to change it, you probably don't need to, so long as you always have a strong battery, since you have to crank 8-10 seconds to start the engine, but it is annoying.

It seems to start fine after trying to crank it a lot, but I'm just afraid that I'm going to lose fuel while driving (happened to me on an old Ranger). I'll probably just end up replacing the fuel pump...

ShadeTreeMech · #7 11-28-2010, 01:52 PM

Devster,
Good luck and be careful making the change. Just a suggestion...run the tank down pretty low to minimize the weight of the tank when you have to lower/raise it and to minimize splashing the fuel everywhere.

modelageek · #8 11-28-2010, 01:59 PM

If you are a DIY selfer working without a lift etc. Take the bed off. End of discission

devster · #9 11-28-2010, 11:14 PM

Thanks you guys. I'll probably buy a fuel pump and then take it into a shop and get it done. I'm typically a "DIY selfer," but replacing the fuel pump is one of those things that's easier and safer to have done by the "pros"

modelageek · #10 11-29-2010, 02:42 AM

Add some TECHRON to the tank. It has beed known to help check valves. Change the filter if you can

devster · #11 11-29-2010, 12:03 PM

I don't think Techron is going to help at this point. I already ordered a filter (cause amazon is amazing and seems to have everything for less) so we'll see if there's any difference at that point.

modelageek · #12 11-29-2010, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by devster

I don't think Techron is going to help at this point. I already ordered a filter (cause amazon is amazing and seems to have everything for less) so we'll see if there's any difference at that point.

FYI.....Walmart sells the fuel filters for $8 or $9..........It is your truck but I think you are making a mistake by not trying the Techron.....You should do it every oil change anyways as maintenance for the fuel system...........but it has been know to free up check valves and sending units........DO YOU USE SHELL GAS?

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also..changing the fuel filter will not correct the instant pressure drop.....but you need to do it anyways.......I am not sure if the 2001 has the buttons that you press to undo the line....if it doesn;t you will need to get the 5/16 tool for $10............makes sure you pull the fuse or the fuel pump relay and try to start the truck so there is no pressure in the line........it is good practice to spray the connections with pb blaster or equivalent and let sit.....also if you go with a new pump I am pretty sure you will need the whole setup because the check valve is in it.....

devster · #13 11-30-2010, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by modelageek

FYI.....Walmart sells the fuel filters for $8 or $9..........It is your truck but I think you are making a mistake by not trying the Techron.....You should do it every oil change anyways as maintenance for the fuel system...........but it has been know to free up check valves and sending units........DO YOU USE SHELL GAS?

I bought the truck about a month ago and have only filled up 4 or 5 times, so I have no idea what gas has been used in the Ranger. I always buy gas at Costco - cheaper and never had problems with any of my other vehicles.

Quote:

Originally Posted by modelageek

also..changing the fuel filter will not correct the instant pressure drop.....but you need to do it anyways.......I am not sure if the 2001 has the buttons that you press to undo the line....if it doesn;t you will need to get the 5/16 tool for $10............makes sure you pull the fuse or the fuel pump relay and try to start the truck so there is no pressure in the line........it is good practice to spray the connections with pb blaster or equivalent and let sit.....also if you go with a new pump I am pretty sure you will need the whole setup because the check valve is in it.....

No it won't, but yes, it needs to be done anyway. I have all the tools - my dad is going to change the fuel pump. He was a mechanic at GM for 25 years so he knows what he's doing with it (and he changed it on my other '01 Ranger). http://www.amazon.com/Airtex-E2293M-Fuel-Module-Assembly/dp/B000C1KJKI/ref=au_pf_pfg_s?ie=UTF8&Model=Ranger|696&n=15684181&s=automotive&Make=Ford|54&Year=2001|2001&carId=005 This is what I'm probably going to end up purchasing.

modelageek · #14 11-30-2010, 01:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by devster

My 3.0 XLT takes a couple of tries to get her to start and is especially bad when it's cold. I turn the key and it takes 5-10 seconds to turn over. Any idea what could be going on? Could this possibly be a problem with the fuel injector?

best of luck to you

devster · #15 02-24-2011, 06:16 PM

Btw, new fuel pump fixed it. After driving on her for awhile, changing the engine oil and transmission fluid helped out as well