Another Question did you ever solve your problem?

 

Problems with 97 Protege continue as it started hard with Check Engine Light off on next cold morning. At this point on the way home from work I stoped at parts store to check of Check Engine Light and code, and to inquire about purchasing Fuel Pressure tester as others in this issue have advised. The fuel presure tester I was looking at had an application chart which did not include my car. I was looking at the fuel rail to find hook up for this tester and noticed the fuel pressure regulator has vacume tube out of the end and this was not conected to anything. Further review I realized there is an electrica "Solinoid valve" which conects to the Fuel Pressure regulator and another tube which conects to (Intake or exhaust?) Manifold. There is also an electrical conection. Either way the part of the valve where the fuel pressure regulator vacume line conects is broken. Today I purchased a new one at the dealership for $81.25. I will comment on the results of this following the next cold morning.

 

I know this is an old post, but I finally solved this problem in mine and this could help someone else.

What you have is eroded valves. I believe there is a service bulletin on this. Over time the valves wear to a point that it no longer maintains pressure at cold temps. Mine wouldn't start below 45 degrees. Solved it with a new head. Starts everytime. Started at 8 degrees this morning without touching the gas.

I tried everything else. fuel pressure, rail, pump, etc. It is a bad valvetrain. Do a compression test when it is cold. you will be at zero for at least one cylinder.