1998 chevrolet malibu hard start and burning rich

Can you check fuel pressure? Does the pressure drop like a rock when you turn off the key? If so, you could have a fuel leak, fuel injector or pressure regulator leaking. The coolant temp sensor could also cause the engine to run rich.

Can you check for applicable trouble codes? To check codes yourself, at the least you need an obd2 code reader. Some of the national brand auto stores will check codes for free.

Smell of the oil on your crankcase dipstick, does it smell like gas?

No way of checking the fuel pressure myself. Any idea of where the coolant temp sensor is? Also there is no check engine light, so the computer is not throwing any applicable codes to check. Crankcase oil does not smell exactly normal, what could this suggest?

Throwing parts at it isn't the way to go. In the past, I've had inactive codes point me in the right direction, no lite.

Evidently, you have no Schrader valve on this vehicle. There is a kit you can use to tee into supply line, has the proper connectors. If your going to work on your own vehicle, you certainly need to be able to check your fuel pressure.

Also, check the vacuum line at the pressure regulator. The pressure regulator is on the end of fuel rail. Take the line loose, if gas in the line, fuel regulator is faulty.

As far as the coolant temp sensor, no way from here can I be sure it is faulty? Should be located on the end of engine, the end is opposite from the drive belt end. The drive belt end is the front.