starts up ok drive a bit then when I stop and shut it off say for gas or whatever have a hard time starting it again keeps shutting off takes 5 or 6 times of keeping my foot on the gas to get it gg

When was the last time the fuel filter was changed? Is there an engine light on, if so have a scan done.

Sounds like the fuel pressure regulator is leaking

if that's the case there should bean odor of fuel under the hood.

The regulator is under the upper intake. It leaks into the cylinders. You typically don't smell it on these engines. It also gives the exactly the same symptoms because it floods the engine and takes forever to start.