Long Crank Time On 94 Camry Le V6

[dmcmahon]

I had a 1994 Camry LE with a V6 engine and automatic transmission, 73k miles. About a month ago it developed a problem where the engine was sometimes reluctant to start. I would crank it for a few seconds, but it would not catch (Battery was turning it over fine). After shutting it off, I would wait a few seconds and then try again this time with some gentle pressure on the gas just as I turned the key, and this starts it. It is rough for about 1-2 seconds after such a start, then runs fine thereafter. The problem is intermittent - sometimes it'll start right up after being cold for days, other times it will behave in the above manner after sitting for a few hours or even minutes. I have had four separate repairs done, replacing some sort of start-related valve, a start-related temp sensor, and (in response to a check engine light I got once while starting it in the above manner) the crankshaft position sensor. None of these replacement parts has made the problem go away. I had a new car on order anyway, so I reluctantly decided to sell the car as-is (with full disclosure to the new owner). I nevertheless would like to understand what this problem actually was (perhaps can pass a tip on to the buyer). Anyone have any clues?