Ford Repair: 93 ranger rough cold starting problem, intake leaks, manifold gaskets

Question
my 93 ranger 3.0 runs great other than when I first start it up in the morning it runs rough and sometimes stalls. If I give it constant gas for the first 10 sec's or so it won't have the problem. I just changed the spark plugs and fuel filter, which didn't help problem. I also got code 542 when I had the codes read. Thanks.

Answer
You may have a vacuum leak cold, that improves with heat as parts expand. Could be the intake manifold gaskets.

Code 542 has to do with the fuel pump. I have seen this code many times without problems related to the code. If you did have a pump or regulator problem I would expect a long crank time, especially when cold.

The 3.0 was generally trouble free, but I have heard of some that had intake leaks, you should start in that area.