issues when starting on low fuel

hi everyone, as part of my ongoing issue series:

when the fuel is at a lowish level, the car is so hard to start, it doesnt turn over for atleast 5 seconds, and just keeps making that sound as it cranks. it sounds like when you try and the battery is flat, but it catches on after about 5 seconds, and then the revs kick in..

realising this is an older car, but what can i do to help this along? is this what a fuel pump is for? as soon as i fill in some petrol it kicks off straight away. but as the tank empties the start time increases to the point that i get worried it will be dead and unable to start. by low fuel i mean 20% of the tank and lower..

tips?

Id try checking the state of your fuel pump first.

Are you by anychance trying to start the car on an incline or decline.
Even if you have 20%, on an incline the fuel pump wont be able to pick up all the fuel.
If you dont have initial pressure, you wont have a very smooth and easy start.

well i park my car on the road, which is uphill yes. 25/30 degrees maybe?

but is there anyway i can add something into the system to force the fuel pressure up?

No. Fuel pump is the only source of initial pressure.
Try reverse parking so your car is facing downhill.

I think the fuel pump is placed more towards the front of the tank.

Have you replaced your fuel filter recently? If you haven't, do it. A clean filter will have less resistance and the fuel pump can work more efficiently with sending pumping fuel to the injectors.

i doubt its anything to do with angle

do what aaron said, get ur filter changed, if that doesnt help

then maybe ur pump is gone