2000 Sportage Starting Problems

I have a 2000 Sportage that has starting problems. When the car is cold it will start fine. If I start it and drive until it reaches operating temperature, stop and turn off the engine, then try to start it about 10 minutes later, it will crank but not start. The cranking is a "loping" crank, very uneven. Eventually it will start, but sometimes takes 10 minutes or more. If the car sits for a longer period of time, 1 hr. or more, it will start fine.
I have replaced the plugs, wires, fuel filter, etc..

Any help with this problem would be greatly appreciated.

This is typical of a crank sensor failure.
http://www.geocities.com/lmp4203/kiasport/cam_crank_sensors.jpg
They are heat sensitive after years and act like this on all cars.
Even it it did not prove the culprit, having a spare at that age is "compulsory", but the probability that it is the culprit is very high.

sportages do not have crank sensor problems unless the trans has been romoved and the wire harness pinched. in 6 years of working on korean vehicles i have never replaced a crank sensor on a sportage.

i have however ran into alot of main relay and fuel pump relays. in the under hood fuse box they are the 2 5 pin relays. when the vehicle does not want to start try wiggling them. this has proven to be the culprit on many 99-01's.

Interesting Kyle....as a lot of owners report fuel pumps stopping to operate, and several have investigated what you mention....but none wwhom I remember ever came back once problem solved to make a definitive report of findings and conclusion of the issue. I hope however thay have their Sporty back on the road...