On Thu, 3 Aug 2006 19:36:16 -0400, "Eeyore" > wrote:

>Tell me what you think...
>
>'99 Mercury Mountaineer, V-8 5.0L engine, 98K miles.
>
>Lately she's been getting harder and harder to start. As in not REAL
>hard, but she cranks for a good 2 seconds before she catches. Once
>running, no problems. No recent changes in engine performance or
>MPG's. But, gradually and consistently taking longer to start, in all
>conditions. Battery's real strong, so that's not it.
>
>I've put in new double platinum spark plugs, had the fuel filter changed,
>had the local shop perform a fuel-injector cleaning service, replaced the
>air filter, cleaned out the throttle body (it had the sticky accelerator pedal
>problem which is now cleared up), put in some fresh Mobil 1 5W-30 and
>a new filter.
>
>I even bought her some new tires then told her how pretty she looks...
>
>No change.
>
>Any ideas?
>

Some people have said this can be caused by the fuel check valve and
or line that's inside the tank deteriorating. My 92 periodically does
the same thing. It will do it for a few months and then it goes away.
I had a shop check the fuel pressure, etc and they said the pressure
was OK and could only suggest a new fuel pump based on the possible
check valve issue. For $500 I decided to wait.