1998 Ranger hard to start

Swatskeb · #1 02-16-2015, 03:24 PM

I have a question for you technical guys maybe you could help me out. I'm having an issue where my truck it's hard to start sometimes, its worse when it's cold out or when parked uphill on like a steep driveway, and it's gotten worse (1998 Ford Ranger XLT 3.0L V6). The truck has no issues and runs fine once its started and has had a tune up recently. From the stuff I have looked at already spark, relays, etc...I have concluded that fuel is not being held up to the engine and is running back into the tank when the engine is turned off and it seems like it has to be drawn back up to the engine before it will start. So I my guess is it's like a one way valve/fuel pressure regulator issue. But I'm not sure where it is. I have read that around 98/99 they got rid of the regulator that is near the engine and moved it to the tank. I see something that looks like it might be it but I am unsure if its just a Fuel Injection Pressure Damper (see attachment), If anyone knows I would appreciate if they could help me out. On this particular model year is there one near the engine that holds pressure when its off or is there is just a one way valve in the tank that holds the pressure, and if its at the tank what parts do I need or is it just all one drop in unit for the tank?

shadowmoose · #2 02-16-2015, 10:03 PM

I've had that valve go bad before in my '03. It is part of the fuel pump assembly inside the gas tank on my vehicle. I'm not 100% sure about a '98 though.

To check if that is the problem cycle your ignition key 3 times to the on position, waiting 2 seconds between each cycle. This will turn the fuel pump on and put pressure in the line. On the 4th time try to start the engine and if it turns over then that valve is most likely bad.

TxGasRacer · #3 02-17-2015, 08:52 AM

Yes the check valve is on your fuel pump assembly that is in your fuel tank.Looks like it is time for a new fuel pump assembly,it is much easier to pull your bed off to change out your fuel pump than it is trying to lay on your back under your truck trying to remove your fuel tank.I just went trough this exact problem about three months ago and a new fuel pump fixed the problem. Hop This Helps.

shadowmoose · #4 02-17-2015, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TxGasRacer

Yes the check valve is on your fuel pump assembly that is in your fuel tank.Looks like it is time for a new fuel pump assembly,it is much easier to pull your bed off to change out your fuel pump than it is trying to lay on your back under your truck trying to remove your fuel tank.I just went trough this exact problem about three months ago and a new fuel pump fixed the problem. Hop This Helps.

X2 on removing the bed. Not too hard to lift off with 2 people.