Wanted to close the loop on this thread (I hate when threads are left dangling with no resolution). I triple checked several things with no change and then finally decided to try swapping the coil. I had replaced the original coil a few years ago with an Echlin from NAPA so I really didn't think that would be the problem. I had the very original one and one from a replacement motor on the 98 sitting around. I swapped in the one from the replacement motor and no more hot idle problem. I had moved the fuel injector connectors to make sure they were tight so it could have been that but I doubt it.
I always thought that coil location was terrible since it's right up against the block and takes an excessive amount of heat that it doesn't seem to have to. I checked the resistance on the two I had out and they were the same. If I think about it I may heat up the echlin one and see what happens. Runs and idles great now.
Now I am just left with completing the OBD emissions monitors for the emissions test for annual registration. Those bastards reset every time the battery is disconnected. t least I now know how to check them and get them to complete. I got caught off guard last week when my wife took it to get emissions and the technician said that 3 of the monitors were not complete. Did some reading and was able to get them to complete pretty quickly.

 

Thanks for the follow up. Glad you were able to sort it out.

 

Glad you got it. I was going to ask what condition your battery cables were in before I got to the last post. Maybe you have some extra resistance going on. Low voltage will make these things run wacky as I have read and experienced.

 

By this point, everything is pretty much tip top condition. It starts up instantly now and drives great. And I have spares of everything for the next time something like this happens. Still can't believe it was the coil since I had replaced it fairly recently.

 

GJ