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?