1954 Mwercury 256 hrd starting

[Bob from Northport]

I have a 54 Monterey with a 256 4 Brl. When cold, the engine is very hard to start. The starter rolls very slow. All the cables have been replaced with brand new heavy duty ones. Plugs are clean and gapped. Points are good. Timing good. I have a back up electric fuel pump on it, and a brand new-not rebuilt fuel pump. Pressure at the carb is 4.2 lbs. I have to pump the carb a crazy number of times before it finally starts. But the plugs never show flooded with fuel. It runs fine after starting. Anyone offer advise on where to look??