really bad start up problem

[99firebird]

everytime i try to start my car in the morning it doesn't want to start. it cranks over but it won't start...after trying like three or four times it finally starts up. it feels like its going to stall and the rpm's fluctuate a little but then its good to go. also i get a bad smell ( like gas, but a little different) and some white smoke initially, but then it goes away after 20 sec and its all good. car only does this if i let it sit for a while... if i pump gas and start it up it starts fine. any ideas

[BirdmanV6]

Im not completly sure but pretty sure your not supposed to pump gas with the car off, because it ruins the auto choke. That may be why your car wont start up when its cold.

[ September 29, 2003: Message edited by: BirdmanV6 ]</p>

[Tyler]

you can have a number of things..

when was the last time you changed your fuel filter..

i have to prime my lines 3 times before it starts up.

i think it has something to do with my fuel pump though

[3.4 slow to go]

pushing the gas pedal before starting won't do jack w/the multiport cars. No fuel is being firedinto the cylinders. Pumping while starting, well, I've never had any good results w/FI . Just let if fireup w/fott off gas, the way it's desined to start.

[magic1872]

turn your electric on and let the fuel pump do its things before you start you should be able to hear when is comes on and goes off