4 out of 5 times it will start on the first crank, the 5th time it might start after 10 sec or not start at all after repeated attempts, let it sit for a minute and most of the time it will start. I can give it a shot of starting fluid and it fires right off which tends to point towards fuel except I've pulled a plug after cranking and it is wet (engine hot). Parts replaced in the past year are: fuel pump, fuel filter, ecm, fuel temp sensor, ignition amp, coil, plugs, wires, dist cap and rotor, ICAV. Truck runs great once started. This has been going on for about a week, I was getting a code 17 Low TPS reading, so I replaced the TPS but still had the problem and the new TPS seemed to have a dead spot in it 1300 rpm so took it back out and am using the old one for now. Fuel pressure on the rail was 30ish (I need to go check again).

So - I know I need fuel and spark - is there a likely culprit that would act so intermittently and so completely keep the engine from even coughing and then work just fine.

 

Have you cleaned MAF sensor when cold with made for MAF cleaner?

 

I cleaned it with MAf cleaner maybe 6 months ago, I'll do it again tonight

 

Looks like it was a bad coolant temp sensor, I had a consistant 35psi at the fuel rail but dry plugs (engine cold) when I checked after cranking with no start. Old CTS tested out of range listed in Lucas 14CUX notes, put in new CTS and fires right up.. time will tell though if it keeps starting consistently with temp changes.

 

little bizarre..... how did you figure that one out?

 

Well... In the book of words (Lucas 14CUX Fuel Injection System - Installation and Diagnostic Notes) it says when the sensor is failing it will make for hard and intermittant starting because the mixture is all wrong when the engine is hot or cold, also I found several posts here and on another site that relate hard starts to the fuel and coolant sensors, I tested the coolant sensor and it was out of the range listed in above referenced words - replaced it - truck started. I am not claiming total victory yet but I am hopeful and I am certainly open to other suggestions.