Tough start after first trip of day

Hello all, 97 6cyl stick .
Starts cold first time . But sometimes after I've driven it . I get back in and it doesn't want to fire.
Last time I noticed if I give it just a hair throttle it wants to try but acts like it's off time .
When I find the magic spot it'll cough and sputter , slowly catch up and get in time. Then it runs fine
Tricks I've learned that help are . Turning key real slow through each slot.
Is this cam , crank , throttle pos sensor?

 

Find the canister purge line to the intake manifold, pull it and block the vacuum leak and see if that helps the hot start. Do you have any problems filling the trucks fuel tank… like it clicks off all the time?

 

No issues fuling

 

Ok that eliminates the vapor side of the emissions control. Next time she doesn't start you are going to have to check for spark. pull a coil and have someone crank her over. If the coils havnt been replaced ever, well, they are 25 years old…

 

I'll give that a try, coils, wire, plugs are all a few years old.
You don't think it could be a sensor?

 

Dont replace parts unnecessarily. What I am suggesting is a systematic diagnostic procedure. When it doesn't start check for spark, simple and free. Crack the throttle a little and see if she starts, simple and free. Spray some engine starting fluid into a vacuum hose, brake booster hose is a good choice, 1 seconds worth is good enough. Each one of these tests either eliminates or points us in a direction.

Yes, it could be a sensor. Do you have a scan tool?

 

Gotcha, I have a code reader. I'll give the starter fluid trick a try . And see about checking spark. I have noticed that maybe , maybe . It's more of an issue with a full tank.
Sounds weird but might be a clue
I appreciate the help.

 

No, that actually makes sense… hence the fueling issue question. I will explain. When you fill the gas tank as the fuel goes in the air in the tank has to go somewhere… there is an electric vent valve that is always open when the truck is shut off. This valve is between the vent on the tank and the carbon canister, which holds the gas vapors. This valve is vented two ways, one to the atmosphere to allow for filling the tank and the other to an electric valve that when commanded to open by the PCM, i.e., the purge cycle, the vent valve is closed and fuel vapor and maybe raw fuel is pulled into the intake manifold. If you always over fill your fuel tank the raw gas is sucked into the carbon canister and it turns the carbon into mud after a while. There are usually codes that pop when this happens.

 

Interesting, I'll check the canister and codes