# 1993 Ranger very hard start after sitting **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** ford, ranger\ **Created:** [August 29, 2018, 11:17pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1993-ranger-very-hard-start-after-sitting/124002 "2018-08-29T23:17:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Ken\_Johnson](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/8491ac/32.png) [@Ken\_Johnson](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Ken_Johnson)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2018, 11:17pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1993-ranger-very-hard-start-after-sitting/124002/1 "2018-08-29T23:17:47Z")
My truck (1993 Ford Ranger 2.3L 2WD) is just as reluctant as me to get going in the morning. I’ll turn the key and it’ll crank away and do nothing. If I press down the gas while turning the key, I’ll eventually hear a sputter, then another, then another getting faster and faster until the thing finally starts, usually takes 30-45 seconds. Starts fine for the rest of the day. Any clue what causes this or what I can do to make it happen less? I replaced all 8 spark plugs fairly recently. I had a loose battery connection I thought might have something to do with it but I cleaned and tightened it and the problem persists. It also likes to burn oil but that’s less of a problem for me right now. Additional info: I bought the truck secondhand but I’m fairly certain it’s had the engine replaced at some point. Also had an aftermarket exhaust installed. ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2018, 11:21pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1993-ranger-very-hard-start-after-sitting/124002/2 "2018-08-29T23:21:30Z")
The next time the truck sits, turn the ignition to on so the dash lights come on for two seconds, and then turn the ignition off. Repeat this a half dozen times and then try starting the engine. If the engine starts right up, it points to a problem with the anti drain-back valve in the fuel pump assembly. Tester ---
**Author:** ![Ken\_Johnson](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/8491ac/32.png) [@Ken\_Johnson](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Ken_Johnson)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2018, 11:22pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1993-ranger-very-hard-start-after-sitting/124002/3 "2018-08-29T23:22:48Z")
Will do. Thanks! I’ll post an update in the morning. ---
**Author:** ![adams\_samm](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/adams_samm/32/13078_2.png) [@adams\_samm](https://community.cartalk.com/u/adams_samm)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2018, 3:38am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1993-ranger-very-hard-start-after-sitting/124002/4 "2018-08-30T03:38:47Z")
When was the last time your gas filter was replaced? ---
**Author:** ![Ken\_Johnson](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/8491ac/32.png) [@Ken\_Johnson](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Ken_Johnson)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2018, 6:51pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1993-ranger-very-hard-start-after-sitting/124002/5 "2018-08-31T18:51:37Z")
Alright, update: I tried turning the ignition several times and that seemed to help a little. Still had to go through the whole process but it seemed to go quicker. That was yesterday. Today I tried again, but this time it wouldn’t start at all. On a couple tries I heard a single putt come out the back but other than that, the starter just cranks away to no avail. Any thoughts? ---
**Author:** ![Ken\_Johnson](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/8491ac/32.png) [@Ken\_Johnson](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Ken_Johnson)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2018, 6:52pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1993-ranger-very-hard-start-after-sitting/124002/6 "2018-08-31T18:52:26Z")
I couldn’t tell you. Over a year ago, if ever. I’ve only had the truck for just under a year now. ---
**Author:** ![George\_San\_Jose1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e5b9ba/32.png) [@George\_San\_Jose1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/George_San_Jose1)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2018, 2:53am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1993-ranger-very-hard-start-after-sitting/124002/7 "2018-09-01T02:53:14Z")
I expect you have low fuel pressure for some reason. A fuel pressure test would confirm. You could also try spraying some starter fluid in the air intake as a test. If it starts and runs briefly, you’ve confirmed the problem is lack of fuel, consistent w/low fuel pressure. If so, probably all you need is a new fuel pump. Good idea to have the fuel filter replaced at the same time.