Hello all,

2001 SCrew King Ranch 4x4 139,xxx miles

Just had fuel pump replaced about 2 months ago

The past week, whenever I go to start my truck, either cold start or warm engine restart, the truck cranks for about 3-4 seconds before it finally fires. It has never dont anything like this before, and I am not sure what is causing the problem. It did it all last weekend, then the beginning of this week it did not occur until yesterday again.

1. Is starter going bad or something of the sorts?

2. Possible fuel system problem? ( I hear the pump always kick on and prime the engine even when this problem occurs)

3. Could be something else that I don't know about.

Just had the belt tensioner replaced 2 days ago, it was beginning to rub on my timing cover.

Any guidance or possible starting points to figure out this mess would be greatly appreciated.

Or, is this something that isn't a big problem and shouldn't worry about.

Thanks,
Logan

 

Also, since fuel pump replacement, I always turn the key to RUN for about 3 seconds to let the engine fully prime, then crank it. Not sure if this could pose any problems.

Addition to prior post, could this be an ignition problem? Can't remeber if I had the plugs and everything changed when I first got the truck (4.5 years ago) No codes are being thrown/have ever been thrown, no CEL, never any misfires or any major engine problems. Last engine part that has been replaced (prior to belt tensioner) was the Idler Air Control Valve and that was 3.5 years ago.

 

Anybody??

 

mine took a little longer to start probably 2-3 seconds I changed the plugs and cope with motorcraft a and it starts like new. It may need a tune up.

 

So are you saying that after you changed the plugs, the problem went away for you? And you suggest motorcraft plugs??

Any idea why it would be such a random occurrence of this problem starting up? I did do some heavy towing this last weekend and that's when the problem started.

Any way to check plugs before I go all out and replace them?

 

Sure, that's easy, - what kind are do you have in there and when is the last time you changed them ?

 

To be 100% honest, I am pretty sure they are the stock plugs. Got the truck at ~98,000 miles and there was not much of a maintenance record from the previous owner. Had our mechanic look the truck over head to toe when we first got it and all was well outside of ball joints. So I do imagine it's about time to replace them, but am wondering if there is a way to check before doing so.

 

I would go ahead and do the plugs, especially since you don't know how old they are. I would also change the fuel filter if it wasn't done with the pump. Replacing the pump could have knocked loose a bunch of crap inside the tank and clogged the fuel filter. Does the truck have any other problems, such as the check engine light on, or misfiring?

 

yep motorcraft plugs are what these motors like.

 

[MENTION=37480]ward[/MENTION]

Replaced fuel filter 20,000 miles ago, but am going to check it again now because of your thought.
No CEL, no misfire or codes thrown. Never had the CEL come on in my truck since I've had it (~5 years)