2000 Tahoe, raw fuel smell through exhaust and hard start

[OhManAnotherEngineProblem]

So I have a 2000 Tahoe 4X4 LT with the 5.3, when starting you have to turn the key and let it crank about 10 to 15 seconds, release, turn the key and let it crank about 10 to 15 seconds again and release then on the 3rd time it will start. Once started it spits and sputters but stays running. While running you can smell raw fuel in the exhaust. Each time its started. Items changed on the truck, plugs and wires, and the fuel pressure regulator. After started when its been running for a bit, you can shut it off and if started within 5 mins it will start right back up but raw fuel smell still present. Also sometimes in the mornings after sitting all night it may start on the 1st try, but still only with the holding the key for 10 to 15 seconds. Never on the half a bump or full rotation as most vehicles do. Anyone else had this problem? What was your fix action? Ideas? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated..... Thanks Phil.

 

[zora]

do you have a check engine light on?
I know you replaced the fuel pressure regulator but remove the vacuum line from it and see if gasoline is present and also make sure when the engine is running there is vacuum on the line.
What plugs did you install and you did gap them?
Air filter is clean?