95 Explorer starting issues

I have a 95 explorer with starting issues. I think we have determined by reading other posts that it goes back to the crank shaft position sensor or the camshaft position sensor. We have checked the inertia (sp?) switch, not the problem, fuel pump also not the problem. Only once on a cold start did I have a problem, the rest of the time it has been after it has been running for awhile once it has gotten warm. My frustration right now is, just how hard is it to change these two things out? My boyfriend is mechanically inclined, but has been hesitant to change the camshaft position sensor as he's afraid it's going to turn into an all weekend thing. Any suggestions would be great, or if you feel there is something else going on that could be an issue, please let me know. Thanks!!

What are the issues? Is it just long cranking when trying to start the vehicle warm? Does it stall or ever fail to start? When it doesn't start, does the starter still turn the engine over? When it doesn't start well, do you still have spark? If there is spark, the problem isn't the Crank or Camshaft position sensors. As a '95, chances are pretty good a fuel pump is the problem. How did you determine that's not the issue, did you check the fuel pressure when the vehicle didn't want to start?

-Rod

When it doesn't start, there is no spark. I have poured over so many posts on this sight, that is were we have narrowed it to the crank or cam shaft position sensor. You can hear the fuel pump kick in when you turn on the key, unless I am misreading something on here, I belive you should hear it for a two or three seconds when you turn the key on? That is working. The thing will just crank and crank, will not attempt to turn the motor. I have been stuck for two and a half hours (just this past Friday) before the thing finally started. That's about the longest it's taken for it to finally decide to start. Would my best bet be to go have it put on a computer to diagnose the problem, or will it even show up with no check engine light on? I do have a friend with a computer if you think I should start there, maybe that would end a few headaches?

p.s., no I have not checked the fuel pressure when it didn't want to start. How do I do that???

You would check the fuel pressure with a fuel pressure gauge. Fords require a smaller adapter to fit the standard universal fuel pressure gauge, so if borrowing one, make sure it is either for Fords or has the adapter. There will be a schrader valve on the fuel injector rail that looks similar to the valve stem on a standard tire.

As for codes, yes, it would be worth hooking up the scan tool and checking for codes. Your '95 is nearing a transition year. Some '95 Fords started to implement OBD-II, I'm not sure if your Explorer is one of them. If not, the scan tool will need to be OBD-II compliant with the Ford connector or you will need to use the "paperclip" method to flash the codes on the Check Engine Light.

And you are correct, when you turn the key to the Run position after it's been off for more than a few seconds, the fuel pump will run for a couple of seconds to prime the fuel rail.

-Rod