Why is my 1991 ford explorer so hard to start?

i have a 1991 ford explorer,very hard to start,will almost run battery down before it starts,and sometimes does.

runs fine after start,can anyone tell me why its so hard to start?Why is my 1991 ford explorer so hard to start?there are many reasons why your explorer won't turn over as easily as it should, but i'll cover the most common reasons below.



- faulty/worn spark plugs: when was the last time you had a tune-up done on your vehicle? many times, worn or faulty spark plugs can be a big reason for hard starts, bad mileage, lack of power, and even miss-fires. spark plugs are what burn the fuel and air mixture inside your engine, so if you don't have a good spark, it'll be that much harder for your engine to turn over as it should. a good quality spark plug from a major auto part store should run you no more than $4 each, although more economic ones are also available. spark plugs should be changed out about every 8 months in order to achieve maximum mpg's. however, this timeframe varies depending on the quality of the spark plug used.



- faulty/worn spark plug wires: if your spark plugs are still in good running condition, your spark plug wires might be to blame. a spark plug is only as good as the wire it gets its power from. if the wires are old, they may have a corroded or even rusted boot (where the wire makes contact with the spark plug). in order to achieve maximum mpg's, i suggest changing the wires out once a year, although running the same wires for about 2 years is still acceptable. i suggest using nothing smaller than a 8mm wire. a set of good quality wires should run you no more than $35.



- clogged/dirty air filter: your engine requires a constant flow of air, which it mixes with fuel in order to create a highly combustible blend. if the engine is being highly restricted from breathing properly, it may take a lot more for the engine to turn over because it can't create a good, uniformed combustion. this will also cause your mpg's to drop heavily as well as your power, not to mention the wear and tear you're causing your engine by forcing it that much more to run. a popular and commonly used air filter should run you no more than $8.



these are the most basic, common reasons as to why your engine might have such a hard time starting up. i strongly suggest you perform a thorough tune-up on your vehicle as soon as possible if you haven't done so within the past year. if you're up for it, how-to walk-through's can be found on the website listed below and in-depth manuals for your vehicle can be purchased at your major auto parts store. it's a pinch in your pocket and times are hard right now, but a proper tune-up can be the difference between having a good running vehicle or a busted engine, which could lead to thousands of dollars in repair costs. also, refrain from cranking the engine for more than 4 seconds at a time. turn and hold the key and release after 4 seconds and then try again, pausing for about 2-3 seconds between each attempt. continuously cranking your engine can wear down your starter very quickly and is harsh on your engine internals. pump the gas pedal 2 or 3 times after the first crank attempt, but no more. i hope this info helps and that your explorer turns out ok.Why is my 1991 ford explorer so hard to start?
It could be a few things.First thing ,when was the last time you changed fuel filter and air filter?I would replace both items and clean the butterfly going to the air intake with carburetor cleaner.Second,When was the last time you replaced the plugs and wires?Replace them also.Third,have you checked the computer to see if any faults are present?Go to Auto Zone they do free testing to see if any codes are present.You could have a vacuum leak,check all rubber lines to see if cracked or dry rotted.Replace any lines that are leaking.Is the choke working?Make sure the flapper is moving when the key is turned.If the mileage is well over 140,000 you may have timing chain issues.Slack in the chain causes hard starting.I would go with the cheap fixes first and have the computer tested for free to see where your car is haveing problems.I hope this helps.Why is my 1991 ford explorer so hard to start?Mostly cause its a FordWhy is my 1991 ford explorer so hard to start?
If it runs fine once it has started, idles and accelerates properly, you can rule out a contaminated gas problem and an air filter problem.

That leaves one other criteria .

Is a big enough spark getting to cylinders, initially.

A 91 will likely have a coil, distributor set up with wires to each spark plug.

Has this system been serviced to determine if the spark from the spark plug is as large as in must be to ignite the gas at start up?

I suspect the problem is the distributor cap first, the spark plug gap second.Why is my 1991 ford explorer so hard to start?I have a 1993, Mine runs good so far. but it could be one of 5 things some simple,But a Pain to fix and some $$$$$.1. stater, 2 .Missing teeth in you fly wheel, 3.alternator, 4. in the earily 1990's ( I think it was 1991 - 1994 or 5 there was a ford factor recall BUT IT DIDN'T HAPPEN UNTIL THE EARILY 2003 or 4 Because I got one and I can't explane it like some men can, But there were electic wires that went throgh dash panaling ( you know behind the stearing wheel ). Well these wires were to have a safe separation, BUT that wasn't done so not only was it hard to start, but these wires could and have burst into flames. THE GOOD PART OF THIS IS THAT IT HAS TOBE CERTAIN MODELS AND YEARS. BUT IT'S ALL FREE IF THIS IT PAID FOR BY FORD MOTER COMPANY !!!!! NOW for the super cheep and last thing 5. I don't know where you live, But I've live in very hot %26amp; very cold and medium places temps. just maybe your put to thin or to thick oil in your Exployer. It whould be great if it's just the oil. I hope I helped,even if I am a woman. Best of luck to you. Friend, Dawn P.S. A BATTERY just a last minute think. BYE BYEWhy is my 1991 ford explorer so hard to start?
There are 3 things an engine needs to start and run,



Fuel

Spark

Compression



Your problem lies with one or more of these items not happening, eliminate any one of these by testing them when the no-start condition occurs
fuel pump