97 Fuel Pump going Bad????

Another question on my recently purchased 97. The car has to crank for about 2-3 seconds before it will start. When I asked the previous owner about this, he told me to turn the key to the "on" position for a couple of seconds before engaging the starter. He said the fuel pump needed to pressurize the system. When I follow his directions, it does work but I am thinking that the fuel pump should be holding the pressure when van is off. Also where is the fuel pump located?
Thanks

The fuel pump is in the tank and it does hold pressure but not forever try a fuel filter first

Have you checked to see if the fuel pressure regulator is leaking? Pretty common on those as well as fuel injectors!