Phil, thank you for responding. I had the thought of the coolant sensor being a problem. I'm not sure where it is located though I've read it is in the cylinder head at the rear btw the 3-4 intake runners. Yes, horribly hidden if that's so. There are two sensors in the intake side of the block with wires attached, not sure what they are for. They are towards the front of the block. Bentley and Haynes are not real clear on IDing them. I may try replacing the coolant sensor just because. It will probably necessitate unbolting the intake and leaning it away from the head. I took a quick look at a FAQ screen that had come up and a comment on something regarding starting processes of the LH injection gave me the idea the coolant sensor might be the culprit. I've never replaced it since acquiring the car in '99 so it's probably overdue. Just because. For some reason pumping the throttle is the only way it will start quicker. Not sure why though I agree your statement of what that does to the ECU and the mixture makes sense. I will locate a coolant sensor and install. I will also try short crank intervals. In the mean time, I have a block heater I picked up last week I will install hoping that the general engine demeanor will change if it "thinks" it's a warmer day. Here's hoping. Thanks again. I'll try and trace this thread down when I get the coolant sensor replaced and let the board and you know the result.

Roger