I have a 1995 2500, diesel...

For a few weeks now it wont start on the first crank, it usually takes 3 to 4
separate cranking attempts for the engine to fire...

I assumed fuel was missing so I decided to prime with the primer bulb on top of the lift pump.

After 3 or 4 pushes on the rubber primer button fuel then squirts out from
the vincinity of the fuel filter or lift pump area.
The truck then starts on the first crank after the above priming procedure.

I am wondering if the squirt of fuel is normal???

Is it some sort of bypass for excess pressure after I prime to much???

or is that the area of the leak or air ingress that is causing the starting problem???

Thanks

 

The only replaceable part on a 12 valve lift pump is the o-ring that seals the primer button.
Sort of doubt if your hard start problem is coming from the pump though, more likely your fuel hoses at the rear or the engine need to be replaced with diesel rated hose.

 

There is no external fuel by-pass on your truck so find were the leak is coming from and you have found your problem