what could be causing my 1995 Ford F-150 to be hard to start?

Question

i had a major tune up and i keep my vehicle very well maintained, it also has dual gas tanks...the front fuel pump was already replaced but it is still causing me problems.

Answer 1

Your fuel injectors could be dirty. Get a couple of bottles of injector cleaner and run it through with your next two tank fulls.

Answer 2

Do you have the problem with both tanks equally?
Does the "check Engine" light come on?
Ford's EEC IV has a weak spot in the TFI module when they age a bit. As a general rule, they will set a code when it is failing, but you may not know to check it, because the Check Engine light will always come on during crank-up.
There is also a failure pattern concerning the distributor pick-up. Either of these can cause a hard start, and can be masked by POSSIBLE fuel delivery problems.
Check for codes. If the emissions label (VECI) indicates that it is OBD II compliant, it will require a code reader or scanner. If it is NOT OBD II compliant, you can gather the codes using the procedure outlined here---->
http://autorepair.about.com/cs/troubleshooting/l/bl_dtcs_70a.htm

Scroll down beyond the code definitions for the instructions of "How".

Remember though, the definitions refer to a circuit or system related to the computer control, NOT necessarily the component.
Don't run out and buy an oxygen sensor if you get a code "141' or a code "P0171" "System lean, bank 1". It very well could be a failing sensor, but it could also be a fuel injector failing, or a fuel pressure regulator, or a fuel filter restricted, or FUEL PUMP, or any one of several other factors.
Check for codes, and follow the prescribed trouble tree in the repair manual.
To check for fuel pump failure, have a friend sit in the cab and turn the key to the "Run" position, but do not start it. The computer will energize the fuel pump for 1.5 - 3 seconds, depending on programming. While he does this, stand very close to the fuel tank selected and listen closely; do you hear the pump? If you do, that pump is PROBABLY not the cause of your hard start. Try the same thing with the other tank.
MOST PROBABLY, your issue is in the ignition system, either the distributor or the module.
Keep in mind this is a pattern failure for Ford, and not necessarily the absolute cause.
Follow the diagnostic mind-set, and you will most likely walk right to the failure.

Good Luck

Answer 3

Remove and check your spark plugs. They should be bright and clean. If they are not, clean with a wire brush and gasoline. Let them dry and reinstall them.

Check the fuel filter. Replace it if it shows any dirt. 1995 Model - about time to do this (lots of crud build-up in gas tank over the years.

How could you continue to have a problem with a new fuel pump installed? Maybe there is a leak in one of the fuel line hoses, especialy a bad section of hose under the clamp on one of the hoses. If the hose has a leak in it, you will allow air and gas into the fuel pump instead of just gas.

1995 Model Ford - hard starting...possible Coil problem, but I doubt it, if the thing starts after a while.

Clean your Air Filter. Check.

A major tune up should have cleared this problem for you. I tend to suspect the fuel line hoses. That could have been overlooked by the pump replacement guy, or the tune-up guy. No reason to suspect the hoses if the engine cranked and ran during his testing.

Answer 4

The fact that it's not a Chevy!

I'm sorry, I just couldn't resist!