HI Scotty, my son has a 2002 E-150 van.  Automatic trans. It had 84,000 miles on the odometer. He took it to a mechanic before purchasing it. He was told it would need new fluids, a new battery cable, wiper blades, a brake fluid flush, trans fluid service, oil change, replace oil pan gasket, replace transmission output seal, four wheel alignment, clean and adjust rear brakes, and would need to have the rear differential service performed. The van was not leaking any fluids. The trans seal was never replaced and has not given him any problems. The van ran well for some months. My son did the majority of the fluid changes as well as replaced the rear wheel bearing. For some reason that was not noted in the inspection. The van started having an intermittent issue starting. When driven for a while it would not start after being turned off and sitting for awhile. The same mechanic shop as above said it needed a fuel pump. My son bought a new one and put it in. The van worked for a bit and the same problem occurred He took it back to the mechanic and they said it needed a tune up. My son changed the spark plugs, wires and the ignition coil. Again it worked for a bit and them wouldn't start. It got to the point where it wouldn't start at all. He then hired a mechanic to  come out and work on it. The guy got it started but this time he said thick black smoke came out of the exhaust. Neither of us were there when the work was being performed. I saw the black mark on the ground from the exhaust. It still won't start but we did try spraying starting fluid in it and it backfired and ran for a few seconds. Thick black smoke came out of the exhaust when we sprayed the starting fluid in it. We checked the relay and it works. The fuses are ok. We are stumped as it seems like it may be electrical but are not sure. It does not show any codes.