Gents...
so appreciate the input. harv, i'll listen to the fuel pump for any noise and other areas for that matter so thanks for the tip. Ironically today it started fine, so i drove to filler station and again stared just fine. Next to the gym where it sat for an hour and sure enough, needed starter fluid.
to answer a few of the other questions, i'm running the original oil bath air cleaner. also i have a new fuel tank so should be clean. again truck ran and started great but now starts intermittantly. i will replace the fuel filter and as '52 carl stated i'll run a hose into the bottle to look for fuel spurts. i don't even know where/how to begin to check for fuel pressure but i can read up on that. next oil change too i will go with a zinc additive package.
timing light was used and is right where it needs to be as the "BB" or arrow on the fly wheel is on point with the point on the bell housing casting. the tapping sound did is still gone as the lifter must be full and primed still/////
i'm just really confused....more to follow...
