problems starting

i have an '88 K5 with a 350 TBI...... the truck wont start unless i use starting fluid or it has been running for awhile and i turn it off......i am a high school student with little money so any CHEAP fixes would be appreciated


it runs great once its running so i am at my ropes end with whats wrong with it

Sounds like a fuel pump relay- about $14-under black plastic cover on passenger side firewall- and possibly the rubber hose-on the fuel pump in the tank- might have a small hole in it letting the fuel leak out and not get enough pressure to start. Check the fuel pump by turning the key on and listen for the pump to run- should run 3-10 seconds. Or could have bad fuel pump. Do a search for fuel pump problems on CK forum. Good luck!