something I have noticed for the last year or so. If I let the Tank get under 1/8 on the gauge or around 2-3 gallons left I will always have an extended crank of say 2-3 seconds before it fires up. there are no other issues at any speed,temperatures or anything . and when it has 1/4 tank or more it always fires in 1 second of cranking max.
the issue was happening before and after I changed the fuel pump for no other reason than it was 17 years old. it almost seems it is not holding fuel line pressure when the tank is that low. does the FPR have anything to do with that?. being a 95 there is no schrader valve on the fuel rail to do a quick check when this happens. thoughts?.

 

It's obviously fuel related so you have 3 options:

1) Fuel Pump
2) Fuel Pressure Regulator
3) Injectors

You've replaced the fuel pump, FPR is relatively cheap and easy to change but before doing that try some injector cleaner. Also, next time you know it's going to happen, try turning the key to ON and then back to off and ON again to prime it a few times. See if the issue still happens.

 

Fuel Filter?

And how about this one.... Keep gas in your car

 

fuel filter is probably clogged from letting your gas get so low all the time and sucking up varnish. People say "crap" gets in there but its a closed system and thats just not possible unless the fuel tank itself, unlikely, is starting to fall apart. However, as gasoline ages it turns into varnish which is not a good thing to suck up into your filter/injectors

 

Its dependant on fuel level, so its going to be something in the tank. I suspect your fuel pump sock has a hole in it allowing air to be sucked rather than fuel.

These would not be dependant upon fuel level, look elsewhere.

 

fuel pump sock was replaced new along with the pump. but I suppose there is the possibility of an slow leak in one of the tank hoses that lets the pressure release from the system when the fuel level is low., who knows. the Filter is fine having been changed 3k ago the sock that had been in the tank was a very dirty brown color so no doubt the system has varnish in it but I do dump a bottle of techron in the tank a couple times a year. the simple solution is always keep it over 1/4 tank. but since I bought it new in 1995 I have always waited for the low fuel light before fueling. which means I usually am putting 16 gallons in there on a fill-up.

 

I have the same problem. Takes 3-4 extra cranks to fire up with 1/8th tank or less gas. New fuel pump, strainer, New wix FF 3k ago. It's def not fuel pump, injectors or regulator like someone said above. Once she fires up it runs perfect so i couldnt see it being anything in the lines or the strainer.

I've always been curious why this is but considering its happened for years with no problems, so i'm not too worried about it. Would love to hear more opinions though as to why this happens.

 

I will add that the hiss of air I used to get when opening up the gas cap has been gone for several years now. visually all the vent hoses from the canister at the rear (cali emissions)look fine but who know that system may have something to do with it.