I have a 96 Dakota with 318 engine. When I go to start the truck I have to crank it a few seconds and then wait a few seconds and then crank it again. On the first try it just cranks but on the second crank it starts up with no problem. Even if the engine is off just long enough to fill the gas tank I have to crank it and then wait and crank it again to get it to start.
I am not sure why this is as I think it sould hold some pressure in the fuel line? Is there a check valve in the fuel pump that could be causing this problem? Anybody have any ideas

Fuel Pressure regulator could be at fault, with the engine off and before you try to start it, see if you got fuel at the fuel test port, push in the valve and see if you get some fuel out of it, if you do, try starting it, it should fire up right away, if it does fire right away after "priming" the fuel, it may be time for a new regulator, $80-90 bucks, or free from a junk yard (if you've got a self-service yard by you, yards are mostly looking for the big dollar stuff, driveline components, body panels, etc. even if you asked they'd probably give you it at little or no cost).

But before we get too deep into this, check the fuel at the test port, try starting it, share your results. Also, for shs and giggles, see if you've got any trouble codes.

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'95 Dodge Dakota 4x4 5.2L club cab - 224kmi - Dual Exhaust, Filtercharger, Duals, sh--load of lights
'92 Dodge Dakota 4x4 3.9L club cab - 166kmi - V8 TB, '95 grand Cherokee Self-Dimming mirror - soon to have new exhaust