Ok happened once about 3 months ago......and twice this week....

It doesn't light on initial crank........after several tries...it lights...and quits.......gas or none..

Once it stays running......it initially stumbles on acceleration.....then smooths out.

Seems to run normal....after a minute or so...

Mileage is about 160......and basically unmolested...

Fuel filter is first on my list...overdue.....

I realize I could be up for a fuel pump.....Do they expire with age...or mileage?

Thanks

 

Fuel pumps usually fail out right, no warning, just one day they don't work at all, rarely do they work and then not work, as you describe, possible just not likely

Yes, on the fuel filter, should be changed every 5 years, but not the problem, dirty fuel filter is noticed at highway speeds, engine struggles to maintain speed with low fuel flow

ECT sensor would be best guess if it only happens when engine is cold
All gasoline engines need to be CHOKED when started cold, this means Rich fuel mix and high idle
ECT sensor tells computer the coolant temp, if it says its under 140degF then computer applies the "Choke", how much below 140degF decides the amount of Choke to apply

ECT sensor may be telling computer engine is warm sop no choke applied and engine will struggle to start and stay running until it warms up

On cold start idle should go high, 1,000+ RPMs and then slowly drop as engine/coolant warms up
If this doesn't happen then ECT sensor would be first on the list to replace
There are two temp readers on the top of thermostat housing in 2003 4.0l SOHC, the ECT sensor and the Coolant Temp sender(used for dash board temp gauge)
ECT is 5volt, has grey/red wire
Sender is 12v, has red/white wire
So not interchangeable

You could get a Bluetooth OBD2 reader, $20, and then look at what the computer sees before starting the engine
You can see Live Data key on and when driving, these are good little diagnostic tools to have
If ECT is showing 160degF for example, and outside temp is 50degF then ECT is bad, assuming engine has been off overnight, lol

This is just a GUESS from described symptoms

 

Well....that's good info...thanks....
I replaced both sensors on the thermostat housing when I changed it a few years back.....
You are saying that one of those.....or the connection to it ...could be the culprit?

 

Yes