06 tj hard start and cel

[Rollin'thunder]

I have searched and searched but can't seem to get a straight answer. I have a evaporative emission system leak (very small leak). Most common fix is gas cap, I used this as an opportunity to put a locking cap on, disconnected negative battery cable to clear the code and then about an hour of driving the code will come back on. I'm also having a hard start issue. In thinking these problems could be related as if the fuel pressure regulator is bad that could be allowing the pressure in the tank to be leaking out through the top of the tank therefore throwing the evap code?
Can I replace just the regulator or do I have to replace the whole pump?
And is it possible that these two problems are related?

 

[transman731]

an evap leak shouldn't have any effect on starting.
try to cycle the key a few times before you try to start it, if it starts right up after cycling the key, your regulator may be bad.
the pressure regulator has nothing to do with the evap leak, it is most likely going to be an issue with the ldp(leak detection pump) or the purge solenoid