Viking2007

Greetings,

Recently picked up a 97 SHO with the 3.4L V8 motor. I must say I'm pleased with it's smooth running and acceleration.

The problem I'm having is this, first turn of the key the engine turns over but refuses to start. I turn the key off, then back on, and 90+% of the time it fires up and runs fine. Once in awhile it takes a third key cycle but not very often.

Has anyone else had this problem and if so, can you steer me in the right direction?

Thanks greatly,

Brian

jblair1948

Brian,

I had a similar problem on my Voyager van (I know not a Ford). Anyway,
many of these cars have check valves in the fuel pump assembly. If the
check valve fails, the fuel pressure will bleed off. So when you turn on
the key, the pump can't build up the fuel pressure enough before you
try and start the eng. Once the injectors start to fire, they bleed off
more fuel pressure. So it may take several times to get the eng. to start.

Try turning the key on, and waiting the 3 seconds until you hear the pump
stop running. Then try and start the car. If that doesn't work, turn the
key off, then on until the pump stops. Then turn it off, and back on till
the pump stops. Then try and start the eng.

If that works, the problem is fuel pressure. Either you have a leak in a
line, bad check valve, or a leaking injector bleeding off fuel pressure.

You can try and prove this by connecting a pressure gauge to the fuel
rail and watching the fuel pressure as you try to start the eng.

John

tbird100636

Note- the check valve is part of the fuel pump- if it does not hold pressure replace the fuel pump. Make sure yo0u hook up the fuel pressure gauge after the car has run for a few seconds. This will give a more accurate reading. Fuel pressure should be 35-50 psi.