2000 Rodeo starting issues

Here is the what happens: The rig starts great in the morning and after work. But when we drive it around going to stores it becomes more and more difficult to start, almost like it is having vopor lock issues. It may take up to six tries to retart it and once it does there is a strong smell of fuel.
Could this be the result of the fuel pressure regulator valve going bad? A code has come up for the fuel sending unit which goes right along with our fuel gauge not reading correctly which I have ordered the part to replace the sending unit again.
Any thoughts are appriciated.

I had the same issue and it was the fuel presser regulator ....

Ok, thanks. I'll replace it this weekend.

So how did you get the bolt off that is located in the rear of the intake manifold for metal bracket that really hold up nothing? Without getting that bracket out of the way, I can't access the regulator ..

my dealer did the work, but here is a write up from someone that did it in the past:

http://www.walkerdowney.com/ryanendres//isuzu/#faq22

Cutting the hex wrench was the ticket to success. Also took the time to drop the tank and replace the fuel sending unit (2nd time I've had to do this). Now the fuel gauge works properly and it starts all the time..
Thanks for the help