1997 Ranger Starting Problems (PLEASE HELP)!!!!

Im new to this forum and I need help badly. My 1997 Ranger 4.0L V6 is having starting problems. IT has 83,000 miles on it. It seems that whenever it has been sitting over an hour, then it wont fire right up. I turn the key and it will crank but it takes about ten seconds to fire. It sounds like the engine is slow to fire up once it starts. Once it does start and you turn it off, if you turn the key again it will fire right up. I have replaced the Mass Air Flow sensor and it started fine about three times, then it started doing it again. I replaced the fuel filter and the drive belt. Still no help. IT was tuned up about seven months ago and the battery is about 6 months old. PLEASE HELP!!!! I am lost. I had a mechanic run a engine diagnostic on it but nothing came up.

Check the fuel pressure when it has sat for about 15 minutes. If it is low, look to the fuel pump bleeding off due to a faulty in pump check valve. Best way to do it is to hook up gauge, start engine, let it smooth out, then shut off and watch pressure, Should not drop more than 5 pounds in 10 minutes.

Check the fuel pressure when it has sat for about 15 minutes. If it is low, look to the fuel pump bleeding off due to a faulty in pump check valve. Best way to do it is to hook up gauge, start engine, let it smooth out, then shut off and watch pressure, Should not drop more than 5 pounds in 10 minutes.


Where do I get a gauge to check? Can an auto part store test it? thanks

Some stores have a loan a tool program. They may charge you a deposit and you get it abck when tool is returned. Good luck and let us know.

Some stores have a loan a tool program. They may charge you a deposit and you get it abck when tool is returned. Good luck and let us know.
Well I went to a mechanic and they checked the fuel pressure and nothing was out of the ordinary.
So then I thought my problem might be caused by the starter. I had no idea how to replace the starter so I started with the Started Relay or solenoid. This seems to have fixed my problem (knock on wood). Thanks for all the advice

i had the same exact problem on my 87 ranger that i posted on here and no one knew what to do or had any advise. i had a new starter put on and new battery terminals and about a week later it started up justr fine it seemed to fix itself. also when you do manage to get it started up do you hear a loud tapping or clicking noise.

i had the same exact problem on my 87 ranger that i posted on here and no one knew what to do or had any advise. i had a new starter put on and new battery terminals and about a week later it started up justr fine it seemed to fix itself. also when you do manage to get it started up do you hear a loud tapping or clicking noise.
I had replaced the battery terminals also. No there is no tapping ot clicking noise that I know of. Funny thing no mechanic could figure it out.