1990 Ford Ranger No Start After Sitting

1990 FORD RANGER
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MDSAN
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  • 3 POSTS
Our 1990 Ford Ranger will not start after it has been sitting for awhile. After some time of trying then it will. It does not do this if it's only been shut off for a short time. I can not find the reason and would really like some help.
Jan 31, 2006 at 11:37 AM
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LOVESCARS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 359 POSTS
try stepping on the gas pedal to the floor next time to see if it starts. only try this once
Feb 3, 2006 at 2:50 PM
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MDSAN
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Thanks. But we are leaning towards it being something with the fuel lines. We think that maybe for some reason they are not holding their pressure. :?
Feb 18, 2006 at 7:33 AM
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LOVESCARS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 359 POSTS
That was the reason for me telling you to hold the pedal to the floor.
If you had a fuel line pressure release you would find or smell fuel from the engine to the tank somewhere.
The regulator is supposed to maintain a certain amount of pressure for restart that's likely the problem.
Feb 18, 2006 at 7:44 AM
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MDSAN
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Okay I see what you mean and will give it a try.
Thanks
Feb 20, 2006 at 1:42 AM
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Suggested Repair

Suspect the fuel pressure regulator is not holding residual fuel pressure after the truck sits. Press the accelerator to the floor once as a diagnostic start attempt, and check for fuel odor or leaks from the engine back to the tank that would indicate pressure is bleeding off.

Conversation Summary

A 1990 Ford Ranger will not start after sitting for a while, though it eventually starts after repeated attempts and does not have the problem after a short shutdown. The owner suspected the fuel lines were losing pressure. The expert advised flooring the accelerator once as a test and explained that the fuel pressure regulator should maintain restart pressure, making a failing regulator the likely cause. The owner agreed to try the suggestion.

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