I have an 04 with the 5.4 3v the is requiring around two or three seconds of cranking before it starts. No codes and runs fine. Feels like it looses fuel pressure when it sits. Is there a check valve in the fuel system and if so where is it located? Or if you've had this problem and resolved it what the cause? Thanks

 

Ever replaced the fuel pump driver module?

 

I don't have the corrosion issue. I don't have any other performance issue either. Don't think it's that.

 

I'm speculating on this one and is just a theory. Do you hear the fuel pump prime the system when you put the key in? If not, it might still be an issue with the FPDM. I don't really know what that thing does, but it might have 2 different jobs. One to prime the system and 2 to keep it running. Even if yours didn't corrode real bad, doesn't mean it couldn't have an issue.

Could also be it's just time for some tune up maintenance like plugs/coils, fuel/air filters. Sometimes a tired battery can crank an engine over and seem fine, but it's still not providing enough power to crank your engine and fire your ignition system. Good luck. Keep us posted.

 

do what Rick mentioned.. you did not mention the mileage on your truck or any maintenence history either...

 

It could be a few things..
Possibly over gapped plugs, oil pressure sensor, or fuel rail pressure sensor..
Watch for the oil pressure light when cranking, it could just be too low for the PCM to fire the engine upon cold start, thus resulting in a few more cranks..
I had a similar issue, it turned out to be my bosh intercooler pump causing a high load upon cold cranks.. The pump was causing excessive current draw which caused a higher (longer) latency response time from my injectors. A new pump that spun much free'er cured the problem instantly.. Which was a surprise. So check for something that could be causing a high load a cold crank, or startup in general...
My issue I would characterize as a cold start "lag", where the engine took longer crank time, and when it fired it would sound weak, and slightly slow to get to warm up rpms..

It could also be a worn battery or corroded starter terminals..

To eliminate fuel pump and fpdm as potentials, turn the ignition forward, let it prime for 5 seconds, then crank her over. If it's still there start looking for an electrical load issue..
Start up is all about the battery..

 

Truck has 141k. I've owned since new so all maintenance has been performed. The spark plugs were replaced with motorcrafts about 1400 miles ago so no gap issue. It cranks over about 10 times before starting where a week ago it would start after one crank. When it does start it runs fine. I'm going to try and check if there is pressure in the fuel rail after I shut off.

 

How can I check for fuel pressure at the rail? Couldn't find a shraeder valve.

 

Problem solved. Shortly after the slow to start symptoms I started to get bouncing gauges and a couple of times the engine wouldn't turnover until I cycled the key back and forth. I replaced the battery and the slow to start issue was resolved. Apparently low voltage or amps must have affected the computer or other fuel or ignition components.