I have a buddy with a real gem. Its a 96 4cyl ranger 2wd with a 5 speed.......and 265K miles Any time when going to start it, warm or cold, it just turns over and sputters like it wants to start then finally will after like 10-15seconds of cranking. Also, on select occasions (prolly 2 out of 5 starts) the truck will rev up to about 3 or 4K RPM. What could this be causing the starting issue? plugs or wires? fuel filter? fuel pump? relay? just trying to help my buddy make this thing last as long as possible.

 

check the Idle Air Control valve and the Throttle Position Sensor.

 

that can also be caused by the Mass air flow sensor.

 

it could be a leaking vacuum line

 

All of those. Mainly Idle Air Control. Or the map sensor.

 

+1