i'd say fuel pump is gettin lazy( as in not bring the fuel PSI up to par) as goes in conjuction with the fuel regulator

On mine, I believe the FPR was allowing the fuel system to lose pressure (drain back to the tank?) I use the pressure relief valve to test it. After sitting for a while, I'd open it (like letting air out of a tire) and nothing would come out. Start it, let it run just a bit, turn it off, and there'd be gas shooting out (be VERY careful if you try this!!).

I had the same problem, and it turned out to be the fuel pump. It has a check valve that keeps the pressure up after it stops running. After hooking up a pressure gauge to the fuel rail to check the pump I noticed the psi drop rapidly after the pump stopped. I was told that was a bad regulator(even though it wasn't leaking) I replaced that and still had the same problem. Then I pulled the tank and replaced the fuel pump. FIXED!

ps I had to replace it again 6 months later for the same problem. I learned not to buy expensive, hard to replace parts from an auto part store. I bought a GM pump and it has been working great for 3 years!

GOOD LUCK!

MOBILE

my regulator is not leaking alos so I may try the pump..thanks

Troubleshooting this is relatively simple. After letting it sit (morning) turn the ignition to run (not start). This will allow the fuel pump to prime the system. Repeat this 4 or five times then start. If it starts right away then you have a fuel pressure problem. There are a few things that will cause a loss of pressure.
1. external leak
2. leaking fuel injector
3. bad check valve in the fuel pump
4. internal leak within the fuel pressure regulator (FPR)
5. leak from the diaphram of FPR to vacuum line

-If you don't smell gas - disregard #1
-If it runs fine when started - disregard #2
-To check if it is the fuel pressure regulator #5 pull vacuum line and check for fuel.
- to check the fuel pressure regulator #4 and fuel pump #3 you will need a fuel pressure gauge and something to crimp the fuel lines shut.
- with the fuel pressure gauge hooked up, install a crimp before the FPR and perform the prime as described above. Let it sit for a bit and watch for a fuel pressure drop. If it drops then the problem is in the fuel pump. If it is fine proceed to next.
- Prime system to pressure and install crimp after the FPR. If pressure does not drop then the problem is in the FPR.

Hope this helps here.

Thanks I''ll use your elimination method