My 2000 Disco is not wanting to start until the 3rd crank. After that it runs fine no problems. My best guess is that the fuel pump doesnt build enough pressure till the 3rd time. Im wondering if I can check if I had just a bad filter (which I heard there is only one in the tank or just a sock connected to the fuel pump, or how to test the fuel pump itself.

 

or fuel pressure regulator

 

Do you have some suggestions on how to check these things? I dont think im leaking fuel out of the pressure regulator. Im wondering if its not something in the tank or around it. I smell a strong gas smell towards the back of the truck (not inside the truck).