This 96 5.2 has to be turned over a bunch before it will start. Any suggestions or do I need to stock up on spare starters

 

Could be a weak battery or a weak starter....or a weak fuel pump. I've had all three things cause slow starts on my vehicles before.

 

Also if its only a slow start at the 1st of the day or when its been sitting for a long while, then thats usually normal.. I didnt run my truck hardly yesterday, and this morning I went to start it and it took a couple of turns on the starter to get it going (not too much but enough to go "hmm)...

 

Thats exactly what I meant. Is it normal in that there isn't any I can do to correct it or no?

 

No it is not normal. My truck has 251,000 miles on it and it starts within 2 seconds of turning the key. I beleive that is normal but anything longer than maybe 4 I would be looking for something wrong.

 

mine does the same thing... proly a week battery... a few dead cells in the battery could cause that... you could have the batt tested but prolly not anything to worry about if its still cranks..

i know i have a few dead cells in my battery... but it always cranks for me so im leaving it alone for now. till i order my dual red tops

 

it cranks quick so I'm not thinking battery
Does the fuel system have have a check-valve? It's almost like it needs to be choked, get a good dose of gas for the initial light off. Magicdssman, with over 250k on yours have you had to deal with injectors, fuel pump, etc?

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I did have to replace my fuel pump and I cleaned my fuel rails with carb cleaner when I replaced the plenum. The trouble starting you are describing could very easily be a weak fuel pump or even a leaking line or o ring on an injector. If I remember right the there should still be pressure when you shut the truck off so it starts quick. Try turning the key to the on possition for about 5 sec then turn it off and back on for another 5sec then start it. See if that helps any. If so then you are losing your prime from the fuel pump or just aren't waiting long enough to turn the key all the way over to the start possition.

 

Do these have an electric fuel pump thats is mounted inside the tank? I also read that a fuel filter could cause hard starts?
Since Im not smelling any gas fumes while running or after shut down I'm guessing I don't have a leak at the manifold. Is there a check valve that would let gas back or relieve pressure?

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The 96 should have a check valve in the fuel pump (in the tank) to keep fuel from draining back into the tank, designed to reduce cranking time...yours has likely failed...I believe it's part of the fuel pump/sending unit assy. Have you tried to start it like MAGICDSSMAN described, turn key on for 5 sec...key off...key on for 5 sec...key off...key on for a few secs., then start? If it starts right up, suspect the fuel pump assy. check valve.