Hard Starting - NEED HELP!!!

[95REDRAM]

Hi guys,

I'll make this as short as possible while still giving what I think are the necessary details. About a week ago my 95 started being hard to get running. I first checked the factory manual and and have done enough checks to be confident that the quality of fuel, fuel filter, and injectors are not the problem. This is primarily based on the fact that it runs so good once it does get going.

The truck will start as soon as I turn the key (just as it's done for 7 yrs. & 162,000 mi) but it dies just as quickly. After 2 or 3 tries the oil pressure is up and then I start it by pushing hard on the accelerator while engaging the starter. A gentle push on the accelerator (like is done for cold weather starting) does no good. I have to really lay into it going almost full throttle. On a good day it takes 2 or 3 tries. On a bad day it might take a dozen or more. Once it is running it's just as smooth and has just as much power as ever.

Thinking the problem is air in the fuel lines, I have replaced the two rubber fuel lines (supply and return) between the engine and firewall. I had the return line fail at about 80,000 miles and thought it might be the problem again. Lines showed no visible damage and it did not fix the problem. However, after replacing the two lines I did prime the system via the plunger on the lift pump and it started right up with no movement of the accelerator at all. I'm now thinking maybe it's a problem with the fuel lines going back to the tank but I haven't had a change to check them yet. I know a lot of '94's and 95's had problems with the fuel lines but mine is a very late 95 and I thought the problem was fixed by then.

All help and comments are appreciated. I know something like this never happens at a good time but this is REALLY A BAD TIME for this to happen and I need to get it fixed ASAP.