Been working this issue the last few months between work trips, finally home long enough to actually dive into it. Think I have it narrowed down, but would like bounce ideas off the brain collective. 
 

issue is if the truck is left longer than 12hrs you’ll have to cycle the lift pump for a bit to start first hit of the key. If not it’ll crank 5-10 seconds before start. Tried it all, on hills nose up/down and flat ground also. 
 

Truck has new fuel lines, new rubber seals at fittings, new injectors and seals, all fittings are tight with no leaks. 
 

the only “leak” I’ve noticed on the truck is the water drain on the factory fuel bowl, not much but enough to see a dark spot on the motor mount. I also vaguely remember the old injectors being covered in fuel on the outside of the bodies when I pulled them out.

 

my thought is the drip from the fuel drain shouldn’t cause it, but maybe the crossover tubes are worn enough to cause the issue? This is the 4th set of injectors that I know of they’ve been on. 
 

also, the only codes currently are 0122/0500/1693
 

thoughts?

Edited January 23, 20223 yr by Towrigdually

I've rebuilt a few fuel drains on the early 2nd gens (98.5 to 00). You can take them apart and just change the o-rings which I've got a set of o-rings in the truck for this purpose. 

Well. I believe resealing the fuel bow was the issue all along, truck starts right Up now without hesitation.