I have a 1997 chevy silverado. When it sits for a day or two it starts real hard. It begins to turn over normal and then turns over real low and slow and then goes back to normal and finally starts. My opinion is that the starter is shot and is draining the battery because I notice on my volt guage that the alternator is working hard to get the battery back to normal operating range on the guage after starting.

I would just about bet a weak fuel pump. With a scan tool connected you can monitor your fuel pressure thru live data. Low fuel pressure will not set a check engine light except if the O2 sensors register a lean condition.

Sounds like either weak battery or a weak starter not turning it over quick enough. Check thoses areas first and then go to the ignition switch and check

The next time it does not start have someone crank it over while you tap on the mass air flow sensor,if starts then remove the mass air flow sensor and clean the small wires inside of it using a non-chlronated brake cleaner let dry 10 minutes then re-install.

In the morning if you turn the key w/o starting it and let it sit a while before starting, does it have trouble starting / smell flooded? If so, likely a bad / leaky injector.

Otherwise, I'd check the O2 sensor(s), likely have a bad one.

hope this helps.

have fuel pressure regulator or pump checked out

Do you have the tranfer case in gear?

loose selector rod or its worn & binding up
Check and adjust

hello ralph...check the coolant temp sensor. It acts as a choke to richen fuel mixture when cold. If it doesn't work correctly, hard starting will occur. Once engine reaches operating temp, the problem is usually non-existent. also....
Worn spark plugs.
Fouled spark plugs.
Worn distributor cap and rotor.
Old ignition wires.
Low engine coolant level.
Faulty MAP sensor...any of these will effect cold starting....

Good luck...i hope this helps.

test the alternator thi keeps the truck running

Your grounding somewhere. Start looking at the starter. Good luck.