Engine Cranks Wont Start

Crank it over a few times and pull a spark plug out to see if your getting fuel to cylinders .. if your getting fuel and spark it should fire up ?

This guide will help us

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR
The fuel pressure regulator is attached to fuel supply manifold assembly, downstream of fuel injectors. It regulates fuel pressure supplied to injectors. Regulator is a diaphragm-operated valve with one side responding to fuel pressure and the other side to intake manifold vacuum.
When intake manifold vacuum is low, an internal spring increases pressure on diaphragm, blocking off fuel return passage and increasing fuel pressure. When manifold pressure is high, spring pressure is overcome by vacuum, opening fuel return passage and lowering fuel pressure. Excess fuel is by-passed through regulator and returned to fuel tank.
The regulator also controls fuel line vapor formation, allowing for rapid restarts, assistance in engine idle stabilization and maintenance of fuel pressure when engine is turned off. Pressure is adjusted at factory to compensate for fuel flow differences between injectors.

The pump is working if your getting fuel. If the plugs are soaked it may just be flooded. Try starting it again in the morning without touching the gas pedal. Remove a plug again and see if it's soaked again. Install filter try again and let me know. And we will go from there.

Some people still try giving it pedal. When a vehicle will not start. It could be the pressure regulator overloading the cylinders. That is why I put it in my first post. And that is why I advised you to let it dry up over night and test it again. If it is soaked again with NO pedal we need to test regulator?

FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR
Ensure key is off. Connect fuel pressure gauge to Schrader valve on fuel rail. Ensure manifold vacuum supply tube is connected to fuel pressure regulator. Start and run engine for 10 seconds. Stop engine and wait 10 seconds. Start and operate engine for 10 seconds. Stop engine and remove pressure regulator vacuum hose. See Fig. 10 . Check vacuum port for fuel.
Fig. 10: Fuel Pressure Regulator Component ID
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

If fuel is present, replace fuel pressure regulator and repeat test. If fuel is not present, start and run engine for 30 seconds. Stop engine and check fuel pressure gauge. If fuel pressure does not drop, go to step 4). If fuel pressure drops more than 5 psi (34.5 kPa) in 60 seconds, disconnect and plug fuel return line at engine. Cycle ignition key on and off until normal fuel pressure is obtained.
Turn key off and check fuel pressure gauge. If gauge drops more than 5 psi (34.5 kPa) in 30 seconds, replace high pressure fuel pump (dual pump system) or fuel sender/pump assembly (single pump type). If gauge does not drop more than 5 psi (34.5 kPa) in 30 seconds, replace fuel pressure regulator.
Ensure key is off. Relieve fuel pressure. Remove fuel pressure regulator. Check "O" ring, gasket and mounting surfaces for cracks, cuts or other damage. Connect vacuum pump to fuel return tube and apply 20 in. Hg. If maximum vacuum loss exceeds 10 in. Hg in 10 seconds, replace regulator. If maximum vacuum loss does not exceed 10 in. Hg in 10 seconds, recheck entire fuel delivery system for cause of fuel pressure loss.

You have to cycle the key on/off a few times if the vehicle won't start. To check the pressure regulator. I am aware it won't start. You was curious and asked about checking.?

The PCM (brain) controls sensors. Most sensors cause running problems. Other sensor would prevent spark or prevent fuel or both of these. You are saying your getting both of these. So the engine should be firing up. It may run rough if there is another fault but your getting spark and your getting fuel. It should fire unless there is no compression?. You need to check for compression?. Also check if the catalytic convertor is plugged/blocked?

ENGINE COMPRESSION
Check engine compression at specified cranking speed with engine at normal operating temperature, all spark plugs removed (on dual plugs, remove exhaust side only) and throttle wide open. Ensure crankcase is full and oil is correct viscosity. With compression gauge installed, use remote starter to crank engine.
Crank engine at least 5 revolutions, and record highest reading. Repeat procedure for all cylinders using approximately same number of revolutions. Lowest compression reading should not be less than 75 percent of highest compression reading. No cylinder compression reading should be less than 100 psi (7 kg/cm2 ).
COMPRESSION RATIO SPECIFICATIONS
Application. Compression Ratio
2.9L & 4.0L.9.0:1
3.0L.9.3:1

EXHAUST SYSTEM BACKPRESSURE
Using a vacuum or pressure gauge, check exhaust system. Remove O[I2] sensor or air injection check valve (if equipped). Connect a 0-5 psi pressure gauge, and run engine at 2500 RPM. If exhaust system backpressure is greater than 1 3/4 - 2 psi, exhaust system or catalytic converter is plugged.
If using a vacuum gauge, connect vacuum gauge hose to intake manifold vacuum port, and start engine. Observe vacuum gauge. Open throttle part way and hold steady. If vacuum gauge reading slowly drops after stabilizing, check exhaust system for restrictions.

THis is a tough one without a code. My first guess with the cold start problem would deal with a temp sensor. The purpose if the sensor is to tell the computer the ambient temp and coolant temp. From that info, the computer determines how rich or lean to make the fuel mixture. What I need you to try is this. Purchase a can of starting fluid. When the van doesn't start, see if it will start with the starting fluid. If it does, we have one of two problems. Either the temp sensor is going bad or there is a problem with fuel pressure.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

Actually, the reason I asked about the starting fluid is to determine if you are getting spark. And believe it or not, most people don't think to try it.

Also, I just reread your original posting and saw that you mentioned it, so sorry. I will assume it doesn't start with starting fluid which leads me to a spark problem. Have you checked the crank sensor to make sure it isn't corroded, dirty, loose.