GM-GMC: Does not fire on first crank, fuel pump filter, engine cranks

Question
My 98 S10, 3.8 has approx 5 years on a rebuilt engine. It always fired on the first crank but now the engine cranks over about 5+ times before it fires. Some times after it is warm it refires relatively quickly but it seems as pumping the petal helps, though I know it is fuel injected. A mechanic told me to disconnect the engine cooling sensor to see if it helps. I tried that but the battey died. I had a load test put on it, it is not 100% but does not need replacing. Help please

Answer
The fuel pump pressure must be checked with cold engine,you may not have good fuel pump prime because the fuel rail is empty overnight. You can try this, when engine is cold turn ignition key ON [ do not crank] wait two seconds turn key off, then do the same thing again then crank and start. If it now starts normal you my have a bad fuel pump filter,fuel pump regulator or fuel pump. Hope this helps