Trouble Starting 200 Blazer

I am have a problem starting my blazer when it is warm. I searched for similar posts but only found people with problems starting there blazers when they were cold. Anyway here goes, I have a 2000 Blazer with 70K miles. When the blazer is cold (first time it is started for the day) it starts just fine. It starts as soon as I turn the key over. The trouble comes when I drive it 15 to 30 minutes and it sits for a little. When I get back in and try to start it, I have to hold the key in the start position a lot longet as the engine cranks for a while and eventually starts. I am not a mechanic but when it is cranking it seems like it is not getting fuel. It has a new battery. I replaced the fuel filter (I thought I would try that first since it was an inexpensive first step and it had never been changed) but it is still doing it. It starts just fine when the engine is cold. I only have trouble when the engine is warm. Another thing is that the fuel gauge does not work. It does not go below 1/4 tank and with the blazer in park the needle bounces between E and F. I know this problem is caused by the fuel sensing unit which is part of the fuel pump assembly. Could failure in one part of the fuel pump assemble mean the whole thing is going bad and that is what is causing my starting problem?

Have the pressure in your fuel pump checked...they tend to go on these vehicles. I replaced my fuel level sensor unit...only to have to replace the whole fuel pump eight months later. Get the pressure checked first, if the pressure is low you know what the problem is...

A bad fuel sending unit doesn't indicate a bad fuel pump, although you'll have to replace the entire tank module(around $300) to restore accurate fuel readings. The first thing I'd recommend is warming up the vehicle WITH a fuel pressure guage already installed. Then shut off the engine and turn the key back on. You'll want 60-66psi of pressure with KOEO(Key On, Engine Off). Any reading less than 60 WILL cause problems. Anything less than 48-50psi while cranking will cause a no-start condition(it takes 48-50psi to open the poppet nozzles). Remember, for every 2 psi under 66psi, you'll lose 10% fuel delivery.

how do you check fuel pressure? what kind of tool do you need? i have been having this EXACT problem but I do not know how to test the pressure. any help would be appreciated, thanks

A bad fuel sending unit doesn't indicate a bad fuel pump, although you'll have to replace the entire tank module(around $300) to restore accurate fuel readings.

Not necessarily true. If you have the OEM fuel pump assembly, you can get just the level sensor. If you have an aftermarket pump assembly, you'll have to buy a new pump assembly

Here's a link to another level sensor problem,with p/ns for the sensor.
The sensors are the same for '97 thru '01s.
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=506326