starts by the 3rd time mostly. other times it could take a half an hour before it will start. acts as though their is no spark or no gas. once it starts, it's good for the whole day 95 percent of the time. We are talking about a "98" F150 4.2 triton. This problem knows no rutine. Sometimes I think it's the gas and other times I think it's a relay failing. I have even entertained the thought that I could have a slight leak in the gas line because most of the time when it gives me a problem I will turn the key forward 2 times to prime the fuel pump and off she goes. But that idea has failed 2 times out of 2 dozen. Had it in the shop once, but the engine would not fail to start for them; go figure. additional note: I had the fuel filter replaced about 4 weeks ago, and this problem goes back about 5 months.

 

Try this.
Turn the ignition on and off slowly about 6 times.
On the last turn on, go for starting.
If the motor starts ok, you have fuel delivery problems.

 

Another thing to try is when it doesnt want to start press the gas pedal down abot 1/4 of the way, if the engine starts it could be the IAC.

 

i know this thread is about 2 months old but my 2003 4.2l does the same thing.



it doesnt do it all the time but when it does i smell fuel....

I hit the gas pedal and it starts right up.

by the way... the 4.2l v6 is NOT a triton


did you end up getting this issue resolved?