OK yes it does have a choke but it is electric and it is not hooked up. Yes I do pump the gas before trying to start it. I had a 70 ranchero and when it was cold outside I had to pump the gas 3 times before initial start up. Me personally I think that it might be losing fuel pressure somehow. I cant remember if it has a manual or electric fuel pump on it. The carb on it is a edelbrock 4bbl double pumper. It is set up so it will cont working in diff angles for cars with hydrualics and 4x4s. Im trying to think about everything I have tried. Would it do this if the floats aint set right?? or would that not matter? ALso to me there is no stupid or goofy question. The only stupid or goofy question is the ones not asked. Thanks for all your help. Keep the questions and suggestions coming. That way I can get this truck runnign right and good when I am home at the end of Oct.