Intermittent hard start issue

Hello,

It sounds like you might have a faulty fuel pressure regulator.
Overtime the internal of the regulator wear off and will create insufficient fuel pressure at startup and typically it will take several tries to get it starter. Usually when it starts it will run just fine.
You need to test the fuel pressure to make sure if the regulator is indeed faulty.
You should have 55-60 PSI of fuel pressure with the key "on" and engine "off".

You will find this video helpful:

https://youtu.be/aITQclp7zIE

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

I have attached diagrams for your reference.

Please let me know of any questions.

Thank you.