1988 hood latch problems

I am not a true mechanic myself either, just a shade tree wannabe.

Having said that, I thought that an 02 issue would read "mixture lean" not "fuel lean", I could be mistaken though.

If you've replaced the 02s and done a full tune up, why not replace the filter as well? That'd have been the least expensive of all. Not to mention at 120k miles it might be due anyway.

Doubt that is the issue but you never know.

True.

It could be your filter is clogged, there is a clog in your line. It could be the fuel pump, could be nay number of things to do with the fuel system, or not at all.

My suggestion:

Check all vacuum lines and make sure they're attached/not broken or cracked.

Check the airfilter and the intake hose to make sure it is free and clean.

I assume it is carburated, so if it won't start try pouring a LITTLE bit of fuel into the barrels and start it. If it starts and runs for a few seconds then dies out then you have a fuel line issue.
You can use the accelerator under the hood to do this.

If it starts but runs hard and sputters it might be a vacuum line leak. If you find/see no visible breaks int he line sets then try spraying carb cleaner/brake cleaner around your vacuum line connections and air intake etc. If the motors rpms increase you've found a leak.

If any of my suggestions work, then I'd go ahead and replace the fuel pump (if that was the problem), fuel filter, do a fuel injection clean, spray the MAF, Idle Air control, and intake with carb cleaner and cross my fingers that I'm okay for another couple thousand miles.

IMO, a 96 Explorer isn't a very reliable vehicle and you'd be better off selling it and moving on to a newer model with less mileage.

I hope some of this helps.

Took the fuel line off right where the fuel filter is, turned ignition to on and no fuel flow. Then it occured to me that a couple weeks ago I kept hearing a whining noise coming from the gas tank area and was told this is a usual sign of a fuel pump getting ready to crap out. So I think I have the problem solved thanks for eveyones input. But if thats not the problem Ill probably be back.