___How embarrassing that would be. as well as "now which hose did I put that bb in?"

Bob

Yeah. I was going to mention the bb...that would be funny
See them in the shift delay line sometimes too...mostly cuz replacing the actuator/cable at the trans is a pia/$$$ job [ code #26],...and like the pump, it only comes on for a few when cold.. Emmissions overkill, I call it.... both of them

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to find the true cause and the inspection is due this month, so I took it to my inde maniac. Police love to give tickets for out of date inspection sticker.

The results:
Air Pump & its valves => OK, (my biggest $ fear)
o2 Sensor => Sporadic readings (that mVolt test I couldn't do) Now or soon it'll be replaced.
EGR Valve & Pipe => Hopefully only the pipe needs a better rotor ruter job
Carbon build up in cylinder block => I'm not even going to think about this one.

Most likely causes:
The o2 Sensor is probably original (143k), I probably didn't do a thorough EGR pipe cleaning, and for about a year the car was only used in the city (< 4k) except for one 1 hr drive when it went into limp mode. So it had a constant opportunity to carbon up.

Most practical to do:
1] Clean EGR pipe
2] Replace o2 Sensor
3] Add Techtron to each tank full and drive to the Florida Keys

Bob
PS If I ever make that trip to the Keys, I have a list of folks along the way I must thank. Name your beverage.