"It doesn't continually crank" sounds like a problem. Mine will crank continuously. Perhaps you do have a battery problem?
I turn the ignition on until the fuel pump stops running then turn it off, and repeat a few times. This seems to help with starting, I learnt this from an older thread on this site. You don't need 30 seconds, just wait until you hear the fuel pump turning off and repeat.
I also changed to a battery with a higher CCA rating, and it certainly turns over faster with this, so I think that can help too.
