If you have up to 40 PSI of fuel pressure and no codes from your
computer try and pull the plug on the TPS. A bad TPS, no power shot of
fuel on start up, can make it hard to start. By pulling the TPS plug the
computer will automatically revert to failure mode and give you your
shot of fuel for start up. Just like the accelerator pump in a
carburated engine. Check for codes and be sure the battery is good with
clean terminals.
Good luck,


Ron

Ashton Crusher wrote:


> On Thu, 3 Aug 2006 19:36:16 -0400, "Eeyore" > wrote:
>
>
>>Tell me what you think...
>>
>>'99 Mercury Mountaineer, V-8 5.0L engine, 98K miles.
>>
>>Lately she's been getting harder and harder to start. As in not REAL
>>hard, but she cranks for a good 2 seconds before she catches. Once
>>running, no problems. No recent changes in engine performance or
>>MPG's. But, gradually and consistently taking longer to start, in all
>>conditions. Battery's real strong, so that's not it.
>>
>>I've put in new double platinum spark plugs, had the fuel filter changed,
>>had the local shop perform a fuel-injector cleaning service, replaced the
>>air filter, cleaned out the throttle body (it had the sticky accelerator pedal
>>problem which is now cleared up), put in some fresh Mobil 1 5W-30 and
>>a new filter.
>>
>>I even bought her some new tires then told her how pretty she looks...
>>
>>No change.
>>
>>Any ideas?
>>
>
>
> Some people have said this can be caused by the fuel check valve and
> or line that's inside the tank deteriorating. My 92 periodically does
> the same thing. It will do it for a few months and then it goes away.
> I had a shop check the fuel pressure, etc and they said the pressure
> was OK and could only suggest a new fuel pump based on the possible
> check valve issue. For $500 I decided to wait.