trouble starting

i just bought a 2001 silverado and sometime when i start it, it takes way too many cranks to get it to fire. any ideas?

fuel pump might be going bad

start with fuel filter, but may be your fuel pump

I would start with the fuel filter and the fuel pressure regualtor, they are a hell of a lot cheaper than a fuel pump. What is your fuel presure?

You did not say what engine?
But here is some guide lines on checking that fuel pressure.
Hard to start cold.
Check cold start fuel pressure.
Check engine running fuel pressure.
Check engine running on the road fuel pressure.
Then shut it off and watch for fast leak down.
Pinch off at rubber part or block off return line and check full pressure.
Most Later V6 and V8 gm engines should have 60-66 fuel pressure.
Post back your engine size to be sure here.
Cold start should be 64-65 lbs of pressure.
If you do not have full fuel pressure on a cold start the injectors will not squirt fuel.
Do not leave home without it.
Engine running should be 60-66 lbs pressure depending on engine load.
Full pressure with return pinched off should be 75-85 or more.
And if it has a fast leak down after shut off you have a leak.
Post back fuel pressure readings with engine code and size.
MT