Thats why I have to prime it before it starts right by turning key on and off a couple times.

 

It should prime when you turn the key to the on position..If it's doing so then it's working. If you need to do so a couple of times then it's suspect. Weather or not the filter is full of 'stuff' is another question as it is integrated..

 

Will replacing the fuel pump give it that nice instant start instead of the hesitation.

 

has your gauge been working correctly? Yes to your Q..

 

To the best of my knowledge yes. When i drive to work i go up and down a 6‰ grade. So i get some fluctuations.

 

Two things, 49ish is good with a +/-5psi, once you get a higher reading say 55psi or more, then fuel press reg problems..have you checked you diz cap..and as stated o2's if origional..like $35 each from rock and stick w/denso, they'll keep the truck happy...

 

I only say the pump is bad because the pressure regulator is part of it. The pump itself may be working for now. And yes replacing the pump will give you that quicker start. You might be able to find just the regulator , but you have to go through just about all the same hoops to replace it(if you can find one) as doing the whole pump, which is most likely not too far behind.

 

Thanks fellas. Its gonna ba a little while before I do these things. Ill follow up when completed.

 

I noticed that from the downstream O2 diagrams posted above, your cat seems to be toast. It shouldn't cycle like the upstream O2, but steady out somewhere around .5-.8 volts once the cat comes up to temp. It's still possible it's clogged enough, without being totally blocked to cause your problems. If you get enough back pressure, it can cause the O2 to see excessive rich n try to lean. hit the cat with something other than metal n see if it sounds like marbles inside a tin can. If so, then the bee hive is broken.

 

Almost 9 years old??