1988 Olds 88 starting problems

I am having a problem with the car starting in morning. When I start the car I have to pump the gas pedel for it to get get started and then when the cars does start it does not always stay running when idle. Reading the manual of a different car it sounded like it could be the fuel filter. I went to autozone and purchased one but I do not know how to depressurize the old fuel filter? Can anyone help? Hope to replace the filter this weekend. Does the amount of gas in the tank matter?

Todd

Have you had the fuel pump replaced in the past?...Those are common problems with these cars and can get you into all sorts of strange working. The symptoms you describe sound similar to an 86 of the same model that I had a few years ago, especially if you are having to pump the gas, that tells me that perhaps the fuel pump is not very happy and maybe it sticks untill it gets enough gas flow through it and then warms up a little....When you tern the key can you hear the fuel pump kick in right away?..You should hear that as soon as the key is turned and even before the starter kicks in.

I'm not a mechanic but it could be the fuel injectors as well.

I don't think you have to pump the gas because you should have fuel injection,do a fuel pressure test when cold before starting it.

Sorry I thought you said 1998.check the setting of your choke and the adjustment of the choke pull off.Aso make sure you hot air oven sheet metal is in good shape.