My '95 4x4 with 207K miles is having a strange issue. I'm working for the Census, and there's a lot of driving a short distance, shutting down, walking a bit, talking to people, then getting back in and driving some more.

It's started to be hard to crank after being shut down for a short while - but not every time, and not related to how long the previous trip was. When it does it, it turns, bogs for a moment, turns, maybe bogs, maybe not, then turns again and starts fine. Once it's done that, it runs with no problems.

I don't think it's the battery or alternator, because it doesn't do it every time, and sometimes does it after running for 30 minutes or more. It only does it after the engine's hot, though. No MIL. No code reader, either, though there's one in my future once I figure out which one works with an OBD-II '95.

Update: I noticed yesterday after running it for a few hours that the oil pressure dropped from the normal 40 PSI (?) to about 20 at idle. I didn't turn it off, not wanting to risk not being able to start it, but could this be related?

 

bump with new info

 

I have the same problem with my 97...

I haven't had time to keep at it, have too many other things on the go, but this is what I can tell you... It's not the MAF, not the dist/plugs/wires/ign module/coil, nothing to do with fuel pressure issues, and not electrical (alt/battery/grounds)...

I'm almost positive it has something to do with the temp sensor. Not the one for the gauge, the one for the PCM. My truck also does some funky things when it's really cold out.

When it's hard to start, try flooring the gas while you crank until it starts, then let off. This is how I had to start mine for a bit when it was warm. It is getting better gradually, now I just have to hold the key in start a little longer while it chugs a bit then fires up.