4.0 SOHC problems
 

my 2001 ranger 4.0 SOHC is starting really hard. anything would help. any ideas

That description is not much to go on.

it cranks for about 7 to 15 secs. norm its about 1-3 secs. or sometimes it will go for 15 secs then i stop it and try again and it fires right up. i think that it might be the egr valve again for about the 5th time.

check the fuel pressure. you can try and just turn the key on and let it sit for 5 sec or so then try and start it. if it starts easy like that then its prob ur fuel pump.
also get the battery tested. battery could be starting to go

Done Both. Fuel Pressure Is Strong But I Am Goin To Change The Fuel Filter This Weekend And The Battery Is Brand New And An Optima

Hi mate
Have You Tried Unplugging The Temp Sender,had This In The Past With Other Vehicles,A Faulty sender Can Send Wrong Message To Ecm ,Thinking Its Hot When Its Not ,Or Cold When Its Not.Either Can Cause Bad Starting

Your fuel pump may be working to build up pressure but the check valve may be allowing the pressure to bleed off when you shut the engine off. This will make starting difficult.

An easy check for this is what rangererv said. Turn the ignition on without engaging the starter. Leave it on for a few seconds then turn it off. Cycle it a couple times like that, then try to start it. If it fires right up, it is most likely the check valve in the fuel pump is not working properly. The only repair for that is replace the fuel pump.

The IAC may need to be replaced also..

thanx. ill try the IAC. + im changing the fuel filter in the next couple of days so i hope that helps. have no idea when it was changed so

My first thoughts were what Gary said. That's the first thing I'd try. Turn the ignition on/off a few times. This will make positively sure it's getting pressured up.

btw, I had a similar problem once. I'd do the fuel pump priming thing and it would start everytime. In my case it turned out to be a plugged fuel filter! That one caught be off guard. I really didn't think that would be it.. but it was just a simple filter.

Rich

and it only happens if it cold but if i drove it about 30 mins to an hour starts right up.

I know it may seem really stupid, but when was the last time you changed your plugs? Or ran some fuel injector cleaner through it?

Most the time it's the alternator/generator thats not working properly.

full tune-up done about 5000 miles ago. all motorcraft. injector cleaner ran in every fill up.