legacycentral bbs

Did some searching, but couldn't find an answer to this. Here's the situation.

On very cold mornings <10F (and on occasion some less cold mornings) last year the 1993 Legacy wouldn't start. It would crank, but there was no sound of it actually catching. If you did this, then gave it a rest, then try it again it will eventually start. And it starts right up as though there was never a problem and runs perfectly after that, except there is a wisp of black smoke as you drive away.

It is just totally intermittent, and usually only happens 6 or 7 times a winter.

Things I know:
-New NGK Sparks last winter - didn't help
-Batt is good
-Car doesn't burn oil (appreciably)
-Engine sounds great

What should I replace first? Is this something that could be related to a 'temperature sender' or an 'intake manifold temperature sender' or something? If it is, then what do I replace and where is it?

All help greatly appreciated. =)

Chris, Pittsburgh, PA

Possibility of starter contacts??

Nope. It cranks just fine. It just never actually catches. But again, when you come back a couple of times, one of those times it starts right up as though there never was a problem.

When was the last time your fuel filter was changed?

Sounds _exactly_ like the problem i was having with my car. I swapped in a new engine though, so i hope it went away

MK

I'd suggest replacing the coolant temp sensor. It's threaded into the block under the intake manifold. I'm not sure if I remember correctly, but I think you can remove the alternator to access it.