Hatchetface

Have a 1995 F150 XL 4.9 inline 6. 3 or 4 times in the last 2 months when I tried to start the truck it would turn over but not start. I would turn it over 6 or 7 times for about 10 seconds each time. If I just let it sit after that for 20-30 minutes it kicked right off. Since every time it happened the truck hadn't been started for 36-48 hours I thought maybe the fuel was draining back through the check valve. But tonight I started it up and drove over to my brother's house. 2 hours later when I went to leave it did the same thing. Any ideas as to what is going on?

raski

When it won't start, try cycling the key on/off several times. If it starts, look at the fuel system. Otherwise, when it acts up, I would check spark with a tester or an old spark plug. You could check for the presence of fuel and pressure with a gauge at the shrader valve. Don't have a gauge, push in the shader valve quickly and see if fuel forcefully squirts out.

Steve83

Don't intentionally spray gas on an engine - especially a hot one, or one you're about to start. Get a fuel pressure gauge, and keep it on until the symptom reappears, as this caption describes:



And read these TSBs:


(phone app link)


(phone app link)


(phone app link)

Also, read these captions:


(phone app link)


(phone app link)

raski

He's says truck has sat for 36-48 hours when it acts up, so it is cold.. I also agree do not let fuel spray on hot engine or exhaust. If he has a gauge by all means use it or should buy this valuable item. If he doesn't, a quick discharge onto one's hand won't hurt a thing. I believe the shrader valve is located behind the engine on a 4.9.

Steve83

It's next to the EGR tube, above the rear exhaust manifold & first cat, pointing toward the plastic HVAC box & its insulation.

Hatchetface

Thanks for the responses. I have a gauge so the next time it happens I'll check fuel pressure at the valve and check spark with a grounded spark plug. I'll post what I find.

Steve83

The gauge needs to be on the truck so you can see what happens while you're driving, and the instant the symptom appears.