4.6 help needed

[68GEETEE]

I just bought a 98 Gt 5speed, stock motor. It cranks a very long time before finally starting. I found the air filter, throttle body and maf very dirty, so I cleaned them. The original plugs were worn out so I replaced them with new autolite platinum. The engine definitely runs smoother but it still cranks a long time before starting, what else should I look for?

 

[tangerine]

It could be a billion different things. It could possibly be your starter. I would take it to a mechanic so that they can diagnose.

 

[Green4.6GT]

my 96 did the EXACT same thing... i will be willing to bet that it is your fuel pump, i changed mine and its like a brand new car again

the problem was the pump was letting fuel leak partially back into the tank, so there wasnt enough fuel pressure during the initial moments of starting, so the car wouldnt fire, after a second the pressure would come up and everything would be better, also if i sustained a highish rpm for a long time, then the car would start to ping, because the motor was drawing a constant amount of fuel (highway cruising, 3000+ rpm or more) so it would slowly trickle out again... this also went away with the new pump..

hope this helps

 

[68GEETEE]

my 96 did the EXACT same thing... i will be willing to bet that it is your fuel pump, i changed mine and its like a brand new car again

the problem was the pump was letting fuel leak partially back into the tank, so there wasnt enough fuel pressure during the initial moments of starting, so the car wouldnt fire, after a second the pressure would come up and everything would be better, also if i sustained a highish rpm for a long time, then the car would start to ping, because the motor was drawing a constant amount of fuel (highway cruising, 3000+ rpm or more) so it would slowly trickle out again... this also went away with the new pump..

hope this helps

You may have a point. I have been listening to the pump activate when I turn the key on, but maybe its getting weak due to the mileage and age of the vehicle. I think I am gonna try changing the fuel filter first, I suspect it is the original, and if that doesnt work, I will take your advice and get a new pump. Thanks for the reply.

 

[hotmustang331]

Here is a way to check it, hold the key in the ON position for 5 seconds, then crank it.If it still takes awhile, then its not you fuel pump and its one of the 999,999 other things LOL.

 

[Green4.6GT]

Here is a way to check it, hold the key in the ON position for 5 seconds, then crank it.If it still takes awhile, then its not you fuel pump and its one of the 999,999 other things LOL.

nope, mine still had trouble even if i left it, it was weird..

 

[bdcardinal]

i would change the fuel filter and then maybe try a injector cleaner. at school we have this thing that taps into the test valve on the injector rail and you run the motor off of that for 20 mins, and it actually does a good job of cleaning out injectors.