'93 Engine start trouble

[buddha724]

this problem started a couple weeks ago...

3.0 v6

struggles to start up and when it finally does a bunch of dark smoke comes out of the exhaust. i'm assuming that's unburnt fuel, especially due to the smell. it also runs a bit rough for the first 20-30 seconds then smooths out.

occasionally there's a bit of hesitation when getting going from a stop.

the idle isn't bad for the most part, but sometimes it'll run a bit low and other times it'll surge a bit.

none of these problems have kept it off the road, but obviously i'd rather not push my luck.

so far i've changed out the cap, rotor, and plugs. it runs better than it did before, but still not perfect. i've got a new fuel pressure regulator on the way since it seems to be dumping too much fuel (at least at start ups).

any other ideas?

 

[buddha724]

let me add a few more symptoms to help clarify the problem. these aren't new, i just forgot to put them in my last post...

in order to start it up i have to push on the accelerator a bit and keep it on after it finally turns over or it'll sputter out... i'm not sure if this by itself means the fuel/air mix is too lean initially

also i always leave the truck with the faint smell of gasoline on me... this makes me think it's running a bit rich.

 

[n8buddy]

if you think its unburnt fuel, maybe try running a tank of fuel system/injector cleaner, but other than that i would think it is more likely that the smoke is caused by burning oil at startup. have you noticed a drop in oil level between changes?