2000 Explorer SOHC No Start

[Hoppy2]

Hello,

I am having trouble with starting my Ex. It will sputter and try to fire while cranking the engine over. Once I floor the gas pedal it will fire up and run rough until I rev it up a bit. Then it runs normal.

I Cleaned the MAF, IAC and checked for codes, and there were none. Once it starts it runs fine and has all the power it always does.

Anyone have this happen to them before?

Thanks

[shorod]

What you might try is cranking it over normally for a second or two, then pulling a spark plug or two and checking for signs of unburned fuel. If they plugs are wet with fuel, it sounds like the injectors may be flowing too much fuel, or the cylinders are not getting enough air. Holding the throttle wide open (Wide Open Throttle - WOT) puts the PCM in "clear flood" mode and shuts off the fuel injectors. Did this just start when the weather turned cold? You might consider replacing the Coolant Temperature Sensor.

-Rod

[Hoppy2]

Yes is just started, but it was in the garage all night and not outside so it was relatively warm in the morning.

I have just ordered a new ECT sensor and will try replacing it tomorrow night.

[way2old]

Don't forget to check the infamous Idle Air Control motor.

[Hoppy2]

I did. I cleaned it last night and it was not very dirty.

[Hoppy2]

Well, I changed the ECT last night, and thermostat since I had to remove it to get to the ECT and it started fine this morning and has since yesterday.

Are there any other things that could cause this hard starting condition?

I have already done the following:

Cleaned the MAF Sensor
Cleaned the IAC valve
Cleaned the throttle body
Replaced the ECT and Thermostat.

[shorod]

You said it started fine, why not give it a few days and see if it continues to start fine?

Have you checked the fuel pressure, both KOEO and KOER?

-Rod

[Hoppy2]

Yes, that was the first thing I checked. Fuel pressure in all positions of ignition off or running were over 60 PSI.

I may have it fixed, I will test the old ECT tonight to see if it was the culprit.

Thanks,

Hoppy

[way2old]

Here are the specs for a 2000 Explorer SOHC. Really need to know if it is mechanical returnless or electronic returnless fuel system.

KEY OFF. For Mechanical Returnless Fuel System with fuel pressure greater that 448 kPa (65 psi). REPLACE fuel pressure regulator in fuel tank.

For Mechanical Returnless Fuel System with fuel pressure less than 310 kPa (45 psi)

For Electronic Returnless Fuel Systems with fuel pressure less than 207 kPa (30 psi)

For Electronic Returnless Fuel Systems with fuel pressure greater than 448 kPa (65 psi). RERUN Quick Test. Other DTC's should be present if fuel pressure is out of range..