I recently purchased a 1992 Ford Econoline van. 1 ton with the 351 engine. Only has 133,000 miles.

The van runs great (for a 92 work van) and has plenty of power. However, it'* hard to start when hot. Meaning, starts up fine when the engine is cold. Then you drive it for 5 minutes or more, shut it off, then attempt to restart it. It just cranks and cranks and cranks.....then, finally, it'll start. However, if I go to start it and instead of letting it crank forever, just let it crank for 2 - 3 seconds then let off the key for about a second, then crank it again for another second, it'll start right up. If I don't do the later, it'll crank for upwards of 10 seconds before actually starting.

Not to mention, when it'* warmed up, the idle is not smooth, it bounces up and down. The a/c and defrosters are off so it'* not the a/c compressor engaging/disengaging.

I had an Explorer and a Dodge Caravan that had similar symptoms (back in the day) and both ended up being the fuel pressure regulator.

What do you guys think?

If it is fuel injected, hard hot start is often the FPR. If carbureted, it could be that the throttle shaft is worn allowing fuel to leak, varnish up and cause the shaft to stick. (I had that problem with an '89 351.) A good spray with Gumout would fix it every time. Also ,I have had Fords do this when the Ignition module was going bad. Just some ideas.

I assume it'* fuel injected. I guess I should take off the dog house around the engine and confirm it. Even though it is a 92, I think everything was pretty much converted to FI by then.

Is the ignition module located under the distributor cap?

A good tune up probably wouldn't hurt this van, but I'm trying to get by without having to put much into it.

I know Ford put some of them there. I also seem to remember one on an inner fender or firewall.

Knowing that this vehicle is not our specialty here, I joined and started a thread over at http://www.ford-trucks.com . UGH. What a hassle. One BS reply. So, I started another thread in another forum (it'* a huge forum...figured they wouldn't see the double-post ). In that thread, I get one reply. Said to change the fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator, and fuel filter. Nothing like throwing money at three different alternatives. I'll have to figure this one out on my own...

I'm too spoiled here. We actually troubleshoot and not just advise people to waste money.

i believe the icm on the sbf those years were external to the dist. near the shaft. they are usually grey. they are rectangulay. approximately 5 inches long and 2 inches wide. those are VERY common to fail. probably more common than the gm, icms