Abstract: Engine control responsive to temperature modeling error during an engine startup period following an engine latency period through time measurement of the latency period and modeling of the effects of the latency period length on a difference between a measured temperature parameter and the temperature of certain critical engine parts, such as engine cylinders, intake valves, fuel injectors etc. Compensation may be provided through variation of an engine fueling command during an engine startup period including during engine cranking as a function of temperature measurements and of the time length of the latency period. The compensation may decay gradually toward zero compensation as the modeling error decreases.