Hard Start Advice - IAC

[CDACamper]

I a running into a hard start problem when the engine has been sitting for a couple of days. It cranks over just fine but when it starts it will stumble. Sometimes it will stumble and stall then will start right up as normal and idle perfectly fine and sometimes it will stumble for a few seconds and then idle just fine. The stumble is just like a hot gas engine that diesels after turning off the engine. I spoke with a mechanic and his first thought is the Idle Air Control (IAC). I Googled this to death and found no videos or help with where the IAC is located and how to service or replace it. Is this something better left to a mechanic to deal with? Any resources for servicing this part?

As a side note, I ran into cleaning the Mass Air Flow Sensor (MAF) in my Google search for the IAC and found that this should be cleaned when you change the air filter or around 30k mile intervals. I am planning to get the special cleaner for cleaning the MAF sensor this weekend and getting this job done as I doubt it has ever been done.

2001 E 350 v10 with 87k miles

[carringb]

Dirty MAF will cause other issues, but probably not what you are experiencing (but yes, definitely clean it every once in a while).

I do agree the symptoms could be the IAC, but it's also likely to be the fuel pump, especially if you've never changed it before. I'd certainly start with a fuel pressure check (by putting a gauge on the fuel rail... your year doesn't have a pressure sender) before throwing any parts at it. Or start with a fresh fuel filter if it's been more than 30k since it was changed last.

The IAC is located behind the throttle body, on top of the intake. You'll want to access it from inside the van.

[CDACamper]

Thanks carringb for the feedback. Getting a pressure reading at the fuel rail before proceeding soulds like a good idea. How bad is a fuel pump replacement on the transfer flow 47 gallon tank system I have? I am assuming you have to drop the tank? Is this a huge project?

[1der]

CDA - If you do decide to drop your TF tank to deal with the Fuel Pump then certainly consider (strongly suggested) doing the hutch and harpoon modifications to the fuel vent and return lines. This will provide a few more gallons of fuel filling.

Links: (or do a "hutch harpoon mod ford" search
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-worth-it.html
http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/for...lem-24594.html

[CDACamper]

Thanks 1der. I will definitely do that if I drop the tank.