Why does my 5.4 seem slow to start. Every time. Never just hit the key and go. You have to wind for 20 to 40 seconds every time.
I've tried different fuels, new fuel pump, no water. No clue what else to do. I just found the low fuel pressure discussion

 

Have you measured the fuel pressure at the rail? You could have a kink in a fuel line, a bad fuel filter, or like my wife's Taurus, when I replaced the fuel pump, the new one was bad as well.

Hunt4Fun

 

I haven't actually checked the pressure. I did try turning the key on and off a few times before starting it this morning. It started perfectly when I did that. What does that mean?

 

Sounds like you are loosing fuel pressure. The fuel pressure gauge would tell you for sure. Mine was about $35 which I figured was cheaper than driving it into the mechanic's and having him raise the hood.

I think you fuel pump is fine. Did you hear it come on each time that you turned the key over and back? It should "whine" for a couple of seconds each time or until there is enough pressure in the line.

Have you smelled gas after the truck was parked? If you can park it in a garage, it might be easier to troubleshoot in case the gas is leaking or you could at least smell it.

You might also try running your hands around the fuel filter and the fuel lines to see if you have a leak.

Good luck, these types of problems can be frustrating and sometimes difficult to determine.

Hunt4Fun

 

It means it's not injecting enough fuel with a single turn when you're trying to start it. IIRC, each time you twist the key forward like you did, it injects a tiny bit of fuel to help with start up.

 

Thanks for the help, I'm gonna try to get it straightened out during Christmas vac.

 

defective fuel pump check valve, all is well again

 

Glad that you got it fixed!