1991 K5 cold start issues

[ponyracer]

Hey guys, got a question for you TBI experts.

1991 K5, 350 TBI/700r4

All stock, owned by an older couple, towed behind an rv. 200K towed miles.

Prob is, when it's the first start on a cold morning it runs rough and pops through the exhaust for the first few mins or until you manually bring up the idle then it will pop faster and carry on until it smooths out after 30 sec or so.

Also when cold it will not start if you get in and hit the key. It will try to fire and almost run but not quite enough. If I turn the key on for 15 sec or so then start initially, usually it will fire on it's own and start it's rough idle/pop stuff. If you don't wait for the 15sec you have to put your foot in it and "catch" it to get it started. Not sure about the warm start as we just bought the truck recently.

Also the exhaust will dang near burn your eyes cold or hot. No smoke.

Any idea? I'm thinking fuel pump/regulator not holding pressure? Any idea on the rough running/strong exhaust?

Thanks all!

[fitz]

  When was the last time it was tuned up?
I would start with the basics, plugs, wires, cap, rotor,fuel filter, and check the timing.
  As for the 200k towed miles, keep in mind that your 241 transfer case has an electronic speedo ( not cable driven). I don't think the miles it was towed behind the RV will show up on the odometer.

[ponyracer]

I have reciepts for new cap/rotor/wires/plugs. Haven't checked the timing but it does fine after warmed up. I'll have to look into the xfer case thing.

[Captkaos]

Sounds like the fuel. Check the pressure, change the filter if it hasn't been changed and report back.  It also may be the regulator in the TBI.