Help with fuel pump issue

[blitztech]

97 Ford ranger 4L V6 here

I'm having a hard start issue, but the truck runs great after starting. If I prime the pump a few times first I have no issues. If I don't prime the pump first then the truck will take 3-5 seconds to crank.
Ran a fuel pressure test today and findings are below.

When I first turn the key to the on position the gauge reads about 10
Second prime the gauge reads 20 and third prime the gauge reads 30
This is what I believe is causing my issue.

While running the gauge reads about 28 and gauge doesn't fluctuate at all if I'm revving the engine or maintaining higher rpms (no tach so no idea what I had the rpms at)

When I remove the vacuum tube for the fuel pressure regulator it reads a little over 40

With that being said, I'm having a hard time verifying the correct specs for this pump and am seeing a lot of differing information. Am I need of replacing the fuel pump or is there something else I should be looking at before going to all that trouble?

Thanks for any help!

 

[blitztech]

Anyone have any advice here? I've pretty much ruled out the FPR as the issue as it doesn't have gasoline in the vac line either. Strangely enough the pressure drops very slowly once the vehicle is turned off. It took several minutes for the pressure to drop down to 10 psi on the line, so this is indicating that it's possibly a fuel injector leak. Haven't had a chance to pull the plugs yet, but will be doing that tomorrow.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I would have imediately jumped to fuel pump, but injectors is a good easy thing to check first. Could also be a fuel line fitting leak but IMO not probable. I believe the fuel pump has a oneway check valve that can go tits up.

 

[blitztech]

From what I understand, if the check valve is bad, the pressure will drop rapidly. Fuel injector rings will cause a slow pressure drop. Is this correct?