98 Explorer Starting Problem

Does it have spark? You say "no sign of ignition" and then say "vapor lock." I assume the engine is cranking if you are saying this.

amperage.

Are you absolutely certain that the battery is OK? Did you check each cell with a hydrometer after it has set for a while? I had a situation on my '97 where sometimes it would start and sometimes it would not. It turned out that two of my battery's cells were a bit weak. I was sure the battery was not the problem. What I do think was the problem was a dirty connection on the crankcase position sensor which on my particular engine (4.0 V6 OHC) is in the front below the crankshaft. I cleaned the connection and replaced the battery and the problem is gone. I did not have spark but the coil checked out OK and the voltage to the coil was OK too. So, either the computer would not allow ignition because of a low voltage situation or it would not allow it because it did not know the crankcase position. Two easy things to check anyway...

Good luck.

Have you tried cleaning the battery terminals?

Is there a fuel pump relay like there is for the 94? My 94 had same problem which turned out to be fuel pump relay located under the hood.

Just a long shot ...saw you had no solution posted.

Good luck.

Sam in Raleigh.

3) When the engine cranks it pumps gas, so agin I pretty sure that is not the program

I will give the issue of timing a look -

thanks for the help and suggestions

Problem solved (I think)

The suggestion from Ulysses on the Crankcase Postion Sensor turned out to be intermittant.

New sensor - running car

Thanks for the help