I have to prime it a few times (turn the key on, off, on, off, on to activate the fuel pump) or crank it a few times to start it if it's cold.

Is this a bad fuel pressure regulator?

 

Get a fuel pressure gauge and test it at the schrader valve at the back of the intake manifold. Turn the key on, pressure should build, and once the pump stops priming, I'm willing to bet that the pressure drops back down to zero (while the car is off still, ignition key to "on" though). This seems to be a common thing on these cars, it's the check valve in the fuel pump, but who knows, maybe it's something more simple!

 

It could be a bad check valve in the fuel pump. If you have access to a fuel pressure regulator, hook it up to the schrader valve on the fuel rail, turn the key to the on position, and the fuel pump should prime the system. After the pump shuts off, the pressure should hold steady. If it bleeds down rapidly, then there is a problem.

 

mine bleeds down rapidly... car runs fine when it's running...(damn opti)
i think mine is due to the cheap pressure guage i bought...

 

Opti

 

Mine did the same thing. I replaced the pump with the Racetronix kit and no more problem. Good times. it's most definatley the Check Valve in the pump. ~cole~