This is a strange problem. My girlfriends 94 F150 5.OL has a little trouble getting started. Turn the key over and it cranks longer than usual. Then finally starts. The gas gauge is also not working correctly she says. (She only puts $5-$10 in at a time)(Bad idea I say, but what do I know) Anyway, will the ECM throw any codes for starting or fuel related problems. I'm going to change the fuel filter and suspect that this is the problem,, but from owning my own Ford, I'm aware of the sending unit/pump shortcomings. Also, it has dual tanks but not sure if it is the same trouble with both tanks. I have read it could be a number of things, but before I go and throw parts in that don't need to be replaced, I thought I would ask everyone here. I'm not aware really of any codes that get generated from hard starting if its a fuel delivery problem. Any help out there would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

 

The bad part is that no, no codes are thrown for the basic fuel delivery.

Since the tank is running on the lower half all the time, the filter idea is a great one even if it doesn't fix the problem.

 

I have a 92 Bronco 5.0 and the same thing. When I first go to start it it cranks for a long time, if I turn the key on and let the pump go through its cycle then starts better or if I turn it over the turn key off, then try starting it again it will start right up. I thought it was the fuel pump going bad but have not check the pressure to see if it bleeds back out. any help would also be helpful. I too have replaced fuel filter recently.

 

I forgot to mention above I normal run with at 1/2 to a full tank always.

 

IT's the way the fuel system works, turn the key and crank it for a sec, then do it again, it should fire right up.

 

Well the bad news is, I went to try and change the fuel filter and after three seperate attempts I was still on the original fuel filter. Screw it. Called the dealer. Quoted $80.00 parts and labor. WTF. I have the part I say. Oh.. $30.00 then. So last Sat. go on down preparing for the "fine print" and much to my surprise, they kept their word. And they actually washed and vacuumed it out. Cool. (That was the good news part.)
So now I'm onto a different set of problems that I am about to start a new trhead on. Stay tuned. And thanks to those who replied. (you know who you are)