fuel pressure promblems

[phantom1818]

truck is hard to start so i bought a fuel pressure tester and did the test and the pump cycles but i have no pressure according to the gauge. when i try to crank the engine it takes at least three to four tries for it crank and with the tester on the fuel pressure slowly builds from 20 to 31 psi and after it has run and i then turn the engine off and turn the key back on i only get 20 psi. i am guessing its the fuel pump that is weak but could the regulator have anything to do with it

[Psychopete]

Regulators typically fail a bit differently - usually the internal vacuum diaphram will rupture, or some times it will regulate incorrectly and cause very high pressure. Could be a leaky injector or check valve at pump assembly (what year do you have?) allowing fuel to drain back forcing you to have to get the fuel back up to the rail.