90 Escort No start

[frafreg]

This is a 1990 Escort with a 1.9 CFI engine. It usually takes a little longer to start than I think is normal but yesterday, I tried starting it up and it started and died a second later. It did that several times. Finally, I shot some starting fluid in the carb and it started it. It ran fine after that with no idling or stumbling issues.
I know I'm dealing with a lack of fuel issue. The spray pattern on the fuel injector looks fine and the carb looks clean. The car is 28 years old and it has 114,00 miles on it. Should I start by replacing the fuel filter. It was replaced about 5,000 miles ago. Thank you.

[65comet]

Fuel filter is a good start if it hasn't been replaced in awhile, but my guess based on what you say is a pretty hefty vacuum leak. All the extra air getting into the intake system is leaning out your fuel most times for that type of starting issue, and the shot of starting fluid is what it needs to get past it now if the leak is getting bigger. There's tons of videos and forum entries on how to check it, you just have to search a little. I's usually go into great detail, but I have to leave and take care of a minor family emergency.

[frafreg]

Thank you for your reply. I appreciate you help. Wouldn't the vacuum leak affect how the car runs after it starts also? It runs great, idles good and there is no problem under a load. The gas mileage is good also.
I replaced the fuel pressure regulator on Saturday and so far it has been starting right up but I need to test it more to be sure. The old diaphragm looked good with only a slight crease in it but no holes. I didn't see any dirt that might obstruct the fuel from reaching the injector either. I removed the injector and it looked clean. I was thinking maybe the fuel lines could be crimping up but wouldn't they be more likely to crimp up under a load and cause hesitation?

[frafreg]

hanks again for your help. I tried to start it again tonight and it did the same thing, star stall. This time, I held my foot down slightly on the accelerator pedal and it started and stayed running.
There might be something wrong with the ISC- Idle Speed Control motor. I ran diagnostics but I didn't I get any error codes? I did some research on the internet but there doesn't seem to be a way to fix, adjust or lubricate and ISC. You just replace them. Any suggestions?