Cranks but doesn't like to run

I have a 98 with a 3.4 The first start of the day is usually pretty good, but after that it may take 3-4 tries at cranking it, before the engine actually turns over and stays running. Thoughts on what could be causing this? Distributer?

 

bad fuel pump or clogged fuel filter not letting enough gas through until it builds up enough pressure

 

I had a problem similar to yours with my old tacoma, mine would only do it when the truck was at normal operating temp and was worse if it was hot outside. It always started pretty good in the cold.
A google search will show you this is not all that uncommon.
Honestly mine went away after I blocked off the egr valve.
Its pretty simple to do and if done right no cel will appear.
Ive done it to my current taco as well and you would never know it unless I told you.
Id suggest cleaning out the maf, throttle body and running seafoam through the fuel system.
If it was a fuel delivery problem I would think it would be throwing a p0171 (bank 1) and p0174 (bank 2) which are both lean codes. Mine never threw a lean code.

 

Thanks for the replies, I will check into that.

 

What did you do to block the EGR...without throwing a code??

 

also check the temperature sensor isn't bad, look at the problems this guy had because of a bad temp sensor http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/350987-2-7l-will-only-start-if-you-catch-gear.html