92 F-150 5.0 V8 138k

Truck has recently started dieing after starting, but will eventually stay running after 3 starts...

I have replaced all plugs, wires, and dist cap. Air filter and fuel filters are new. I replaced the idle air control valve about one year ago because of surging idle speeds when starting. I also recently replaced the solinoid purge valve because it was making a loud ticking noise.

This behavior happens only after the truck has sat for several hours, and it doesn't matter which fuel tank it is running from. I think this rules out the fuel pump. It has not set any codes. Once it has started, it runs rough for a minute and acts like it will die. It eventually - after about 1 minute of running - behaves normally, but will sometimes idle at 900 rpm rather than 750...

Any ideas what to look for - where to start?

 

You should still do a fuel rail pressure test.

 

The purge valve is supposed to tick. Maybe not "loud"ly, but ticking is normal.

You can't rule out the fuel pump until you find out what pressure it's putting out. Get a gauge, click my signature link, & look in the EFI Fuel Pump album. There's a diagram that shows how to trigger the FP relay & what pressure you should see.

If it's normal, read this:

 

That valve was ticking very loudly, you could hear it from 10 feet away from the truck, with the hood closed. The new one doesn't do this...???

This morning, I turned the key on and let the fuel pump pressure build. I did this twice instead of just once as I normally do. It started w/out issue. Based on this, I would assume it is a fuel issue.

I'll review the attachment you provided and go from there.

Thanks,
Jim

 

The one above is for an ignition issue. Use my signature link to get to the ones about the fuel pump.

This one might also interest you.