My 92 4.9 has always been a little slow to start (compared to other vehicles) but yesterday, it started taking an extra second or so of cranking to start it - it does not matter whether it is hot or cold.

Once started it runs fine.

It is still turning over fast - battery is okay.
Plugs/cap/rotor/wires have 6,000 miles on them.

Air filter is new.

It has been very misty/rainy/humid here for a few days.

Any ideas?

 

i had a similar problem but mine turned out to be a fuel pump try checking your fuel pressure it should be 45-50psi with key off and if thats good do a leak down test to suspect if the regulator is bad good luck

 

I found my problem - went to crank it after work, same hard start - but then the fuel pump started whining (actually howling) like crazy...

picked up a napa fuel pump tonight - how hard is it to replace the pump on the in tank unit?

 

Getting the tank down is the hardest part. I wouldn't do it until its almost empty. Undo the fuel tank straps (a helper would be nice) and undo the fuel line clips and undo the electrical connector on top and undo the fill tube and vent tube. Lower to ground or bench. Clean the top of the tank so no dirt gets into the tank. Spin the big metal ring off where all the tubes come out. You'll need to wack it with a screwdriver and hammer to get it to spin. The pump housing should pop up alittle now. Pull it up, and you'll have to rotate it so your float and arm can come out.

Follow the directions on the the fuel pump. Napa pumps come with good directs. Note how everything comes apart as thats how it will go back together.

When putting the ring back on (holding in/down the pump housing) make sure you use a new seal. Again you'll need a screwdriver and hammer to spin it back on (under those tabs)