Rough Cranking Idle

[rhegge]

Hi to all.
I just found this site and joined to find an answer to my prob.
Have a 1988 GMC S-15 4X4 w/4.3 engine.
When I crank it it runs extremely rough and smokes a grayish/gas smelling smoke. Not heavy smoke but noticeable. After temp reaches normal it runs pretty good but still a little sluggish. Sometimes have to hold gas to the floor to crank. Acts like the old style cars with an auto choke acting up.
Have replaced the temp sensor at the front of intake- ran fair for a while but now doing again.
i read a lot here about the EGR valve- could that be a problem
Engine light comes on after running at higher speed for a while. goes off after restart.
Can someone get me started to fixing.
Otherwise engine seem good- strong on the road- some main leaks but tolerable for 186000 Mi

thanks

[bwc13]

First of all is it a 4.3 vortec motor if it is it may be the spider in ihe intake.check the fuel pressure should be 60 lbs.when you pull the plenum you should see fuel gathered up if you do there ya go.

[rhegge]

i NEVER HEARD ANY MECHANIC REFER TO IT AS A VORTEC. HOW CAN I TELL