Hard starting after sitting for 5 months

With today's gas they are usually hard to start after setting for a few months. (the gas evaporates from the carb through the bowl vents) You did mention fuel pressure but not fuel pump. Do you have a electric or manual fuel pump? The electric should fill the carb up if the fuel has evaporated. A carb with a choke should help also. I usually remove the air cleaner and look fo a accelerator pump shot. If I don't see that I know I need to crank a bit. I usually crank 20 sec. or so after it sets for months just to get the oil circulated before I set the choke. tmm
Yes, electric pump. Always watch the fuel pressure gage to get up to pressure indicating bowls full. Was getting fuel shot out of the squirters before attempting to start.