Triton V10 hot start issues?

[Steverino]

On our post-purchase voyage home, I noticed that the engine started immediately & easily when cold. However, when shut off after several hours drive & allowed to sit (like during a lunch stop), it was considerably harder to start. It would turn over fine - seemed to crank just as fast as when cold - but wouldn't catch. Seemed to take between 5-10 sec. of cranking before it would finally start.

FWIW, it has about 32,000 miles on it. Don't have any history. Got about 7.5 mpg on the trip - all flat highway running 60-65 mph.

Did do some research online - some ideas seem to be along the lines of leaky injector(s) allowing fuel to bleed down, or possibly a less-than-optimal fuel pump or clogged filter. However I've not run across the exact same situation yet. I guess the other option would be on the spark side - maybe an ignition component that is heat-sensitive?

Wondering if anyone here has experienced something similar, and if so, what did it turn out to be?

Thanks in advance!

[rvrev2]

I have the same issue with my Chevy 454 V8. First thing in the morning, I turn the key and it roars into life immediately. After it has ran for a bit, and shut down, it will take some cranking before starting. I just had the fuel pump replaced, and it still does it. Before that I replaced all plugs and wires. I've wanted to change out the camp and rotor, but it is under an AC hose near the firewall that would take a magician to get out. I've given up trying to figure it out at this point and will just live with it.

[Seann45]

Fuel filters are the most overlooked maintenance item on vehicles.. change that and see if the problem persists.. ( I always look for the cheap fix first)

[Steverino]

Thanks for the input. As soon as I get my rig back from the alignment shop I'll see about finding & replacing the fuel filter. We have a trip coming up at the end of the month. That will be my next opportunity to road-test this issue. I want to try "keying" off & on prior to starting & see what that does. May give some clues as to the problem... (insert crossed fingers here).

[lx22f/c]

Have your stater checked out. If it drawing too much amperage when it is hot it wont turn the engine over fast enough there for a longer crank time. You can take it to any independent auto shop to get it tested. I would stay away from auto zones or any chain repair shops. Hope this helps

[Steverino]

Thanks for the starter suggestion - I'll add it to the list of avenues to pursue.

Changed the fuel filter yesterday, so we'll see if that makes any difference. When I dumped the gas out of the old filter, the gas coming out the "in" side (toward the tank) was quite brown / rust colored. No flakes or anything, though. Makes me wonder if the tank has some rust starting (oh great).