We have a 2000 2.5L Manual Ranger that has over 250K miles and has always run great. Lately it has been hard to start after it sits for a while (overnight). It has a new battery and turns over fine. But, it takes a number of tries to get it to catch. Once it starts, it runs fine and starts ok. It's almost as if the gas line has lost it's prime but we don't detect any gas odor from a leak. Any ideas?

Thanks
Jmr

 

Welcome to the forum

Not to unusual of an issue.
Try this:
turn key on,
count to 3 turn.
key off
Repeat, 2 more times

THEN try to start engine

The fuel pump only runs for 2 seconds with key on, its a safety thing
But it does this every time key is turned from off to on
Each 2 seconds = about 10psi fuel pressure

In 1998 and up Rangers fuel pressure, engine running should be 55psi
Engine off pressure should hold above 25psi indefinitely, there are two "check valves" that hold pressure in the system, one in the fuel pump and one on the return line at top of gas tank

If either leaks then pressure will drop to 0psi over time and no smell of gasoline since its leaking back into the gas tank

This issue doesn't effect operation, just startup after sitting so not a major issue at this time

Changing the fuel pump assembly changes both check valves, they are not replaceable separately

 

Thanks you