Did you figure this out yet?

I havent done much to the car. It starts reasonably well. Still does the low vacuum thing at idle but other than that drives pretty well.

Right now it is up at the shop. My evaporator box is chock full of ****, drain and all. Evaporator is just about plugged shut. No time to deal with it myself so I'm just going to have them take care of it.

Hmmmm, that would've been an easy fix. Just remove wiper arm and unclip 6 metal clips on blower motor box, remove blower motor and black plastic mount (2 screws), and evaporator sits right there. Not sure why or how yours is clogged up though, it should be sealed in behind the plastic covering. There is that fresh air flap at the bottom behind the blower motor that could possibly allow debris to enter that way. Is the mechanic also looking at your start issue or just the evaporator?

I've removed the cover before and replaced the motor. Its not hard to get to but they said that evaporator is so full that they need to take it out to properly clean it and the drains. The last time I was in there it was pretty bad and I did what I could to deal with it. Suppose it is partially my fault the car spend a the better part of a year parked under oak trees.

I'll inquire about the box seal though. I do wonder if you are right about the fresh air flap. Is that thing vacuum pod controlled? Maybe I've got a bad pod.

The start issue seemed to have decrease in frequency. The last week I drove it I don't remember having any major trouble.