ECU & Fuel System

["Robert Rooney" <dmcvegas@xxxx>]

Since the day that 6585 arrived we've gotten very poor gas mileage. 
Somewhere in the range of 12-14 mpg. While she passed emissions with 
flying colors (HC 14 PPM @ 775+ RPM), whenever the engine cold 
starts, it sprays out wet black particles all over out of the 
tailpipes. The oxygen sensor looks to be brand new, but the exhaust 
always smells rich. My question is how to I check the pulse ratio of 
the frequency valve? Before I run out and buy a new LAMBDA ECU, I'd 
rather check to make sure that the problem isn't a grounded 
microswitch, or something else causing a constant overide of the 
oxygen sensor. I tapped into the Diagnostic Plug, but I can't detect 
any readings from the ECU wire. Granted though all I have is a cheap 
multimeter from Wal Mart, so I may not be able to detect lower 
voltage with it.

The other problem that we're having is a hot start problem. Cold, the 
car starts with little or no hesitation. But once it has warmed up, 
turned off, and then sits for at least 40 minutes or so, it takes at 
least 5-8 steady cranks to start her. When we purchased the car, we 
were told that the accumulator was new, and looking at it, it does 
appear that way. Last night it took the air box off, and observed the 
following: After running the car and then shutting it off, the air 
flow sensor plate had the normal amount of resistance behind it. But 
after about 20 or so minutes, you could push the plate down about 1/4 
to 1/3 of the way down before you felt any resistance. Obviously it 
sounds like my fuel system can't hold it's pressure, but the question 
is where. Is there any way to determine if the problem is the 
Primary Pressure Regulator, a check valve (if so, which one?), or 
something 
else? The fuel pump is new, but is it's check valve inside, or can I 
replace the valve & not the entire pump (if that's the case)?

I know that this is alot for just one posting, but I really would 
appriciate any and all ideas that everyone might have. Thanks in 
advance!

-Robert
VIN 6585