I've been reading a lot about others with a similar issue, and several have pointed to a "near-recall" condition of the distributor wiring creating shorts when the engine is hot, but this is not 100% of my issue. Others with this issue also seem to complain about stalling while driving, but this is also NOT my issue.
Cold start in the morning fires up like she should on the first crank, but not 100% of the time... more like 95%. Hot starts (like driving to the store, and only letting the engine cool for 20 minutes) results in the issue occurring more frequently, but still only <50% of the time.
When it does occur, I can feather the gas pedal, and force the engine to continue running almost every time. But, if I pull my foot from the pedal too soon (less than a minute or two), the engine will stall. Several more attempts, and the engine will start and run like normal (without touching the gas pedal).
I have a new fuel filter and fuel pump is within spec (peak with engine off @ 37-PSI). I have also replaced the usual things (spark plugs, air filter, PCV, oil/filter change, belts and hoses as needed, new gas-cap, battery, flush/fill of coolant, new exhaust and cat, etc.), and the intake and injectors have been cleaned, but the problem still exists. It is not constant, and some days when you expect it to not start... it does... other times... you're stuck cranking for a few minutes.
When she does start, idle is perfect and steady @ 650 RPMs, and she runs like a brand-new vehicle!
It has never "failed" to start within a couple of minutes of continuous attempts, but it is becoming very frustrating because it is unpredictable... not to mention the fact that it is embarrassing when your car won't start, yet the 1970's POS (missing body panels, exhaust, and is 5 different colors) next to you cranks right up!
I get no dash lights or computer codes generated from this. Cylinder compression is also (surprisingly) within tolerance... 152/147/144/148 PSI, despite the age and 125K on the odometer. One Ford dealer and two other "trusted" mechanics have looked at it... and neither can find the cause, although they are all willing to throw parts at it... at my expense!
Could I have a sensor failing intermittently, or perhaps there is a wiring issue that is common, which I'm not aware of for this engine?
Cold start in the morning fires up like she should on the first crank, but not 100% of the time... more like 95%. Hot starts (like driving to the store, and only letting the engine cool for 20 minutes) results in the issue occurring more frequently, but still only <50% of the time.
When it does occur, I can feather the gas pedal, and force the engine to continue running almost every time. But, if I pull my foot from the pedal too soon (less than a minute or two), the engine will stall. Several more attempts, and the engine will start and run like normal (without touching the gas pedal).
I have a new fuel filter and fuel pump is within spec (peak with engine off @ 37-PSI). I have also replaced the usual things (spark plugs, air filter, PCV, oil/filter change, belts and hoses as needed, new gas-cap, battery, flush/fill of coolant, new exhaust and cat, etc.), and the intake and injectors have been cleaned, but the problem still exists. It is not constant, and some days when you expect it to not start... it does... other times... you're stuck cranking for a few minutes.
When she does start, idle is perfect and steady @ 650 RPMs, and she runs like a brand-new vehicle!
It has never "failed" to start within a couple of minutes of continuous attempts, but it is becoming very frustrating because it is unpredictable... not to mention the fact that it is embarrassing when your car won't start, yet the 1970's POS (missing body panels, exhaust, and is 5 different colors) next to you cranks right up!
I get no dash lights or computer codes generated from this. Cylinder compression is also (surprisingly) within tolerance... 152/147/144/148 PSI, despite the age and 125K on the odometer. One Ford dealer and two other "trusted" mechanics have looked at it... and neither can find the cause, although they are all willing to throw parts at it... at my expense!
Could I have a sensor failing intermittently, or perhaps there is a wiring issue that is common, which I'm not aware of for this engine?