Let me start off by saying this is not my truck but it's hour hall truck at the equestrian center. It's run perfectly up untilrecently where its been taking longer than usual to start. About three good 5-10 second cranks before it starts. No coughing or nothing. Not a serious problem yet but trying to head one off at the pass.

History, hauls a 3 horse with tack (aluminum) less than 50 times a year never out of texas. Oil changed regularly. Seems to be missing a little power since the problem started.

 

try priming the fuel filter first then checking if it still has trouble starting. if it starts easier then it may be an air leak on the suction side of the fuel lines. lots of hard start problems are a result of air in the lines. you can replace the short rubber line on the output of the fuel filter housing with a clear line and look for bubbles in the fuel.

bleed screw and primmer bulb are common faults for air leaks.

if it is still having trouble it may be the injectors. have a return rate test done. to high of a return rate on one or more injectors can cause low fuel pressure while cranking making it hard to start.

if the return rate checks out ok and there is no priming issues then it may be a weak CP3