Hey, I’m new to this 3.0L 2001 ext cab XLT, so I need a lot of help please. The truck was hard to start. Seemed like a fuel issue. Since I had bed off, I changed out fuel pump. Also put new fuel damper, fuel filter, new plugs and wires. Didn’t seem to help.

so it will eventually turn over after 5-6 tries. When it finally catches, it’s really slow to finally get to idle speed. If truck sits a few hours after running, it will do the same thing.

So any advice on what to troubleshoot next?

thanks!

 

Since starter motor works we will skip a PATS(passive anti-theft system) issue

Watch the CEL(check engine light)
With key on CEL should come on, this means computer is on, no CEL = no computer
When you try to start engine CEL should go OFF as soon as engine starts to spin, that means computer will start spark and add fuel
If CEL stays on then no spark and no fuel
Check/replace Crank Sensor

If CEL does what its suppose to then try this
Cycle key on, count to 2 and cycle key off
Repeat 3 times(this Primes the fuel system 3 times)
Then try to start engine
If it starts sooner then new assembly is leaking fuel inside the tank, this is ASSUMING you do not smell gasoline anywhere outside
Was the top of the gas tank dry?
And outside of fuel filter?

The engine needs at least 25psi fuel pressure to start up, running pressure is 60psi, with key off it should hold pressure above 40psi for MONTHS
If pressure is dropping to 0psi when it sits, then no start and hard start
Key on runs pump for 2 seconds which adds about 10psi, so 3 times key on/off should be 30psi

 

thank you! I will troubleshoot this evening and also take some fuel pressure readings. I’ll post my results. Really appreciate it!!

 

With ign to on position (non start), by 2 cycles, was up to 55 psi.
ok, while running, it shows 65 psi. Engine off holding at 50 psi.

so I think fuel pressure is fine…??

 

Yes, if its holding pressure key off then fuel pressure is not the issue for slow startup

Watch the CEL, key on CEL on, cranking engine CEL off
If CEL stays on while cranking engine that means no spark has been started, no timing signal

Water in the gas tank
All gasoline has some water in it, its from storage, condensation in the larger storage tanks, tanker trucks, and gas station underground tanks
Too much water is "bad gas"

Gasoline can not bond/mix with water
Gasoline is lighter than water
So when a vehicle sits all the water sinks to the bottom of the tank
The fuel pump sucks in gas, or water, from the bottom of the tank
Engine will not start if there is too much water, lol

Ethanol can bond/mix with water, it absorbs the water and allows it to pass thru the engine without stumbling , less power but still runs OK
You can add a can of BOOST or HEAT, which is ethanol, or use Regular gas with 10% ethanol for a few tanks to try to get rid of any water build up in the gas tank

 

thanks! My Ranger is a U coded 3.0 L engine, so can it handle the BOOST or HEAT?

 

Yes, its fine to use with any gasoline engine

Some of the older, pre-1980s, engines don't like ethanol in steady amounts as their fuel system gaskets and seals can break down, but a little helps clean out fuel systems and won't hurt a thing
1980s and up are made with ethanol resistant gaskets and seals so not an issue

Your 2001 3.0l U is the same vehicle as a 2001 3.0l V but with a different computer and heads, so same fuel system made for E85, just FYI