fuel problem and hard starting

Help!!!
I have a recurring problem with my gas mileage and hard starting. In late 2003-early 2004, I replaced my entire fuel pump because the fuel gage was not operating and I no idea how much gas I had (running out several times). The entire pump is housed in the tank, so the tank had to be dropped and disconnected. After replacing the pump, I later discovered that it became harder to start. It generally took 2-3 tries before it would actually start. After starting, however, it would run beautiful --smooth, quiet and the mileage was good. Also, after running, I would be able to stop and start it (immediately) without problems. Only after it sat for a period of time (over night) would it be hard starting.
I have since tuned it up twice, changed the oil several times, changed the fuel filter several times, changed the air filter several times and recently changed the fuel pressure regulator.
The car runs beautiful. No hesitations, missing or problems. The gas mileage has recently being getting worse--15 mpg and the hard starting is still happening. Does anybody have any idea as to why???? Donald :smile: :lol2:

Not sure about the gas mileage but make sure to check your fuel pump relay. The relay activates the fuel pump. As a backup and part of the normal system, the fuel pump will engage after enough oil pressure is built up and will overide or turn off the relay. This creates a long crank time when cold if the relay is bad and it's waiting for that pressure to build to engage the fuel pump. When hot, pressure is still high so will engage the fuel pump right away. A good way to tell is when car is cold, turn the key (don't start) and listen for the fuel pump to whine. If you don't hear, replace the relay. Mine is in the glove box.

Need more information on your truck, we don't even know what year it is???

Done a tuneup lately?

mine does the same thing, It also did it after I replaced my fuel pump too. I thought it may have been my fuel filter, so I replaced it, but it still does the same thing. I believe mine's problem is that the pump is the wrong kind, Vortec engines have to have a higher pressure pump or something like that.