Starting problems

1997 TP, 3.4L, 175,000 miles. Will initially start as normal - then immediately dies. Stays running if I lay on the gas a little bit, can smell gasoline during start-up and while engine is running.

Test the fuel pressure with the engine off. Once the pump stops running the pressure should hold for several minutes. If the pressure drops off rapidly it can be a sign of a leaking injector or pressure regulator. Either can cause a flooding condition which would be helped somewhat by holding the throttle open to admit extra air.