1997 Plymouth Voyager Won't start when cold out

On below 50'ish mornings, car won't start. Without giving it any gas there is a gas smell as though flooded. If/When it does finally start it has to burn off excess fuel, very rough. Lots of backfiring. Check engine light comes on. Once it smooths out it runs and starts all day without problem. Check engine light off. I've burnt out battery and starter, as it takes up to 45 minutes of repeated attempts and jump starts to get it going. One mechanic who was stymied by problem said the computer needs to be replaced, but not much confidence in his expertise on this. AND it was after months and several other suggestions which didn't work. Reminded me of old mechanic who told me to ignore a check engine light because he said that it was broken. A catalytic converter(which burnt through the carpet), and two carbureters later, found out that the only, original problem was an ignition wire running too close to a computer sensor.