Hard start smell gas (cold or hot) 98 Intrigue

I have a 98 intrigue with 3.8l engine.

it is hard to start and I smell gas, i put in new fuel pressure regulator, wires and plugs and filter and no change in performance.

sometimes starts quick and the rest of time turns over several times before starting.

any thoughts, could it be the crankshaft sensor?

thanks in advance

It's possible but I'd double check fuel pressure at the Schrader valve at the fuel pressure regulator and make sure it is in specs first.

It is either ignition or fuel.

Since it takes awhile on some occasions to turn over you can check spark for example at cylinder #1 by removing the spark plug, then connect ignition wire and look for spark. Most the time a bad CKPS will give a total no start condition or cause stalling once in motion.

Also check all vacuum hoses for proper routing and tightness at the intake manifold and throttle body. Remove electrical connector at crank sensor and make sure there is no corrosion on contacts sensor side and connector side.