My 4.2 (46M miles) just developed a problem. It is having OCCASIONAL problems on a re-start after sitting a short period of time; anywhere from 2 to 5 minutes. It happens most often when warm. The engine will sound like it wants to start; firing but not catching. If I can get it going, it seems like it is flooded and needs to be cleared out. It also once happened after a cold start. Drove it down to the end of the driveway, shut it off to lock the gate, came back and it wouldn't even fire. Spins like crazy but no start. In this case, I tried every few minutes and nothing going. Then let it sit for 15 minutes, tried it and it fired right up like nothing had ever happened. Got any ideas? I'm afraid it's going to strand me someplace; or not restart after a gas station fill. Can't have any Dildorado er I mean Silverado boys catching that scene.

It runs just fine otherwise. Cold starts are no problem. Most warm restarts are no problem.

 

I have the same issue once in a while, and I have found that if you just let it sit for a few seconds, it actually will fire over. I couldn't explain it, either, but I sometimes wonder if it has something to do with the timing of the 4.2, and the way the position sensors on the crank or cam talk to the computer...for whatever reason, most of the time when this rarely happens, I will turn the key completely off for a few seconds, and when I attempt to crank again, it usually turns over like a charm...interesting issue though, because this isn't the first I've heard of it!!!

 

I have the same problem if I run into a store or something and i'm only there for a few minutes. Mine will eventually catch on the first try however it is very sluggish. I think there may have been one or two times I've had to completely shut it off and then re-start it.

 

According to the Ford dealership, the problem was a bad fuel pump. It is apparently a known weakness. The pump gets weaker and weaker over time. So, if you run into the symptoms I described above, the fuel pump is the likely culprit.

 

P.S. $780 repair. Thank God for the extended warranty.

 

Glad you got her fixed!

 

An addendum. Starting problem fixed and also the truck is more responsive to throttle inputs; better power.

 

 

acadianabob, what year is your truck?

I also have the same exact problem.

 

My truck is an '01. The service writers new exactly what was wrong before a mechanic even saw the truck. Apparently this is a frequent occurance.