I have 1998 F150 w/ a 4.6, the truck has been running great since i bought it a few months ago.
Recently I drove to Alabama from Tulsa, Ok. and back (1500 miles)hauling a pop-up camper, with no problems, when I get home the truck wouldn't start, engine would crank but it was not getting any gas, so i look at the fuel filter and the PO changed it in 2010, (he wrote the date on the filter). when i pulled the old filter, and drained it into a jar, it was filthy, and there was a lot of sediment after i let the jar set for awhile, i put in a new filter, still no start, borrowed a fuel pressure test kit, the kind that connects to the schrader valve on the fuel rail, and got the required pressures per my manual. so i shot some starting fluid into the intake, and it started, it will start on its own if i take short trips and don't leave the engine off for a long time, but if it sets a couple of hours or overnight, i have to use the starting fluid. I even tried Sea-foam in the vacuum line and let it set, still no fix.
the truck runs fine when its running, its just the starting issue.
Really need some expert help on this one...
Thanks

 

Timing issue?
But it sounds like fuel delivery system, you get the correct pressure but is it air or just fuel in the rail? There may be a bad seal letting air in the system and not letting it start

 

when i connected the adapter for the pressure gauge in the fuel rail, fuel leaked out while connecting, so i assume there is fuel in the rail and no air, where would these seals be located?

 

Well I was thinking possibly injector rings but since there's no air in the line that's not it.

 

1st/ Have your codes read and post them for better help with cold starting circuit. 2nd. Look to air induction system, loose, cracked, clean sensor and check seal. 3rd. Check your vacuum hoses PCV and inside its hose. Look for vacuum leak, spray carb cleaner or unlit propane torch near suspected leak. Increased idle will indicate a leak. Lastly Intake manifold vacuum leak also possible. but check spark plugs and compression first. A tune up can be a fix if your plugs are shot. You may be looking for a intermittant connection.

 

i was told it could be the crankshaft sensor.
also, the "Check engine" light is not on.

 

Starting fluid doesn't instantly fix a crankshaft sensor, but cranking sometimes juggles the wire or connector to get a circuit and it runs and runs until shutting it back off. The wire plug or damage to the wires. Also look to the fuse box for loose fuse or connection/corrosion. Inspect closely with a flashlight and mirror. Look around the wire harness where it touches the engine, many times there is where it wears thru. Up front and in back.

 

Sounds like a problem in the ignition system. As starting fluid (Ether) has a lower flash point than gasoline.. Replace your plugs, and wires. You could also have weak coil packs.

 

If you have fuel pressure within spec you'll want to know if the injectors are being pulsed and that you have good spark. Injector signal can be tested with a "noid" light. Spark can be tested using a spark tester. This is going back to basics. Your diagnostic is nowhere unless you've done this.

 

Based on what he is saying its not a fuel related issue.. He says that it will start off the ether then runs fine. It is definitely a ignition problem.