86 landcrusier starting issues

i have an 86 landcruiser carburated straight 6. it starts great usually but sometimes if it doesnt catch on the first try its seems to not want to start. it eventually does start but it takes a while. i know this cant be good for battery or starter. i have replaced the airfilter and the plugs are new. like i said most of the time when i start it cold it fires right up it seems to do it after its warm or if it doesnt catch the first time when i go to start it. i dont know if its flooded or not getting gas. its sucks though. anyw ideas????