Can't get an easy cold start

[billjam]

I have been struggling with trying to get a good clean cold start without having backfiring through the intakes.
Keep in mind that in Perth at this time of year, "cold" is around 20*C.
I have played with cranking advance settings ranging from -10* to +15* but can't totally eliminate it.
Currently, cranking advance is set at 10* which seems to give easiest starting, but the first start after standing for a few hours always seems a struggle for the starter (which is new) and always results in a few pops and bangs through the air cleaners.
The engine always starts, but it is a struggle sometimes.
I leaned off ASE today, but that didn't seem to make any difference.
What am I missing here?
TIA, Bill
MSQ attached.

[jsmcortina]

This sounds like an ignition problem to me - firing early during cranking? Can you strobe the cranking timing with the injector fuse unplugged?

James