I'm having a problem getting my mom's 98 Explorer started. It has the 4.0L SOHC if it really matters. The car has been sitting for a while in her garage over the summer. Well now that its winter, she wants to start it. I tried cycling the key a couple times but all it does is turn over like its not getting fuel. Will it hurt to spray some starting fluid in it? I was gonna take it off at the throttle body and spray it in. Is it gonna hurt anything? Quick response is appreciated as I want to get it running tonight if possible. Thanks

 

fuel pump might be frozen...try tapping on the bottom of the tank while someone else is cranking that might be enough...or the gas could be stale

 

Do you hear the fuel pump?

 

check spark and fuel pressure at the rail

 

Ya I hear the fuel pump. I hear the relay kick in under the hood also. I guess I am gonna get a fuel pressure gauge and see what I got. I think its getting spark but I need to test. With the starting fluid, it didnt change anything and it should have. It could not be getting a spark. We will see. I cant work on it again till December 20th when I get home from school so she is SOL for a while.

 

Update: I'm home now so got to get this thing going. I checked and it does have spark. This leads me to believe its fuel. How can I tell if its getting fuel to the cylinders? I'm gonna try to change the fuel filter but have never done one. Any suggestions are gladly taken

 

Bought a fuel pressure kit today to figure out what the pressure is at the rail. Anyone got an idea what it should be with the ignition on or if its cranking? Even if it is low, it could still be a clogged filter couldnt it?