I just bought a 98 mustang with the 3.8l engine and Automatic transmission.
It seems to hesitate to start when the engine is cooled down.
I've changed the oil, filter, pcv valve,fuel filter and the spark plugs.
The plug wires have "1998 Motorcraft" written on them. Once the engine starts, it runs great, never misses. Could the wires have that much to do with it or is there anything else to look at?

I do know to let it prime the injectors before turning the engine over.
Any help would be appreciated!!

Thanks
Joe

 

Wires can cause problems when the get old they have more resistance so it's harder to fire the plugs. I'd replace them and run some injector cleaner through it.

 

I have been having the same problem. I will probably replace the spark plugs and wires. Can someone suggest a good brand for me.

 

I have aneigbor who has been a Ford mechanic for 28 years and he swears that Motocraft plugs and wiresare the best for Mustangs.

 

I replaced the spark plugs with Motorcraft Platinum plugs gapped to .054.
The fuel filter was Motorcraft, the pcv was Purolator, oil was Motorcraft 5w30 with a Motorcraft oil filter. I plan to get Motorcraft plug wires. They are about $60 at Advance Auto.

 

I figured out my problem. It's kind of crazy. When I bought the car, it had a Fram air filter on it. It looked pretty clean, so I never thought much about it. I got some Christmas money and went and bought a K&N air filter to put in for a little gain. When I went to change it, I noticed the Fram filter was not seating right. It would not match up to the hole on the mass air sensor and had a big tear in the seal part. It was kind of jammed in the bottom part of the housing, probably causing the engine to choke down hence causing it to be hard to start. It now starts much faster. It was getting so bad that my battery was getting weak and having a hard time turning it over.This may not be the case for everyone else, but I definetely encourage people having a similar problem to check the filter to make sure airflow is good. I'm not saying that a K&N fixed it. A factory replacement that seated well and wasn't torn would probably work fine. Just a thought. Thanks for any help!!!