Extra cranks to start...
 

Hi guys,
I got a 2002 Ford Ranger 4x4 XLT 4.0 V6. 95,000 miles.

Lately when I go to start the truck it takes a couple extra cranks to start. Sometimes it won't start on the first cycle (but trying to!). If I turn the key off after a failed start and go back to stating, it fires right up!
It only seems to have this issue with a warm start e.g. when it sits like 2 hours in a parking lot. In continual warm starts every 20 min or so it still seems to take a bit more but starts on the first cycle. Cold starts from the garage seems to be regular.

What I've tried: In a warm start situation, I turned the key forward two clicks until I heard the fuel pump "hum" stop and then tried starting. Not 100% sure but I think it helps a little bit (experimental error?).

Not sure if it has anything to do with it but I did replace the fuel filter, pcv valve and spark plugs not long before this problem started occurring.

It seems to me this problem is heat related... Maybe fuel pump going bad? And is there only one fuel pump (in the tank)?

Any help would be much appreciated!!!!
Thanks!

Turn key on and off 3 times then try to start
This will cause fuel pump to run for 6 seconds instead of just 2 second(one turn on)

If this works then you are losing fuel pressure when engine sits.

Now this should cause more of an issue with cold start, but do the test over a few days and see what results you get.

IAC(idle air control) Valve opens all the way for startup, if it doesn't then engine won't start up very fast.
Try pressing gas pedal down 1/4 when starting, see if that helps, adding more air

If it doesn't help then next test will be a bit harder.
You will need to spray Quick Start(ether) into the intake, when engine is warm, because thats when you say it is harder to start.
Pull off Power brake booster hose, spray Quick start into the hose, leave hose disconnected
Try to start
If it starts right up then Spark is NOT the issue
If it still starts slowly the it could be a spark issue

Shut engine off and reconnect hose