90 Colt with staring problems

I have a 90 Colt, 1.5Here is what it does. It will crank and try to start, but die right away. If you keep trying it will eventually start, but if you touch the gas before it runs a little, it will die. Some times if you try to start it, it will crank, with no start, but turn the key off and it will crank then try to start, but die. It also will pop and backfire sometimes when you first get it started. Once it is started and runs for 2 or 3 mins, it runs like a top, I have checked timing, checking the gap on the plugs,checked for vaccum leaks. I have not checked fuel pressure, or done a commpression test. Also when the car runs like crap, the check engine light is off, but once running, the check engine light is on. Thanks for any ideas.