Purchased a 1996 f150 about two weeks ago. Guy that sold me the truck told me the issue and that it would happen so here you go. When I leave the truck sit for a day or two it takes about 7-8 times of cranking it for it to start. Sometimes after it starts it will run fine including cutting it off and restarting throughout a day and its like tge truck is perfect. So far it has cut off once on the road and I pulled to the side till it cranked up again. One other time is stalled but hit rivht off again without stopping. Like I said after you get it cranked up it rolls like showroom floor condition. I have replaced the fuel pump relay switch and the ivnition control module so far but that has not fixed the issue. It is the 300 i6 motor 4.9 liter. Any fhoughts as to what to try next before I put it in a mechanics hands?? Thanks in advance for any repliex.

 

Welcome to the forum

Did you check your fuel pressure? If it has 2 tanks does it do the same on both? If so may be a clogged filter.

 

Thanks for the reply. I have not checked the fuel pressure and yes I do have two tanks. If the filter was clogged then wouldnt it remain clogged somewhat and cause issues more often?

 

Check the pressures running on both tanks, if they are both about the same then it may be a clogged filter. With key on engine off, pressure should be 50-60 psi and engine running should be 45-60 psi. And like you said it runs great when it start but cuts in and out. You can rent gauge tools at local part stores to check, there is a valve that looks like a tire valve on the fuel rail where you screw it on and test it.

 

Also is your check engine light on? Might need to plug in for codes.

 

No the check engine light is not on and no codes. Once it starts it has only stalled and cut off once each. What I meant was once getting it going I can physically cut it off and back on all day and it starts on the first turn of the key.

 

Ok so only after sitting for a day it will take longer to crank, try priming the pump by turning your key back and forth a few times to get pressure, then start the engine and see if it makes it better.

 

So I think it is fixed finally. Ran the pressure test with no real issues found. Went ahead and replaced the fuel filter because it was nasty dirty with trash like coffee grinds inside. I think my main stall/not starting problem was either the ignition coil or the pickup in the distributer. We replaced both and since then it gas been running and starting great.