What is your engine starting proceedure?

[Georgie]

Bruce,

Just another very easy thing to check, but since you're having cold start issues it definitely could be the culprit.  Remove the two small output hoses from your primer solenoid and make sure it's actually pushing fuel thorugh when you push in the key switch.  I recently had to replace mine b/c the internal seals died and the solenoid wasn't pumping when it was supposed to (even though it WAS clicking), and was also free-flowing fuel when running b/c the fuel pump would push extra fuel right through the solenoid and into the carbs.

[Bergertime]

Thanks - That was one of the first things I checked.. The solenoid is letting fuel out of both output nipples.  The proplem I discovered was that one of the main lines is clogged or restricted and not letting the fuel flow well to the right side of the engine.  Not sure how much that impacts my situation, something I uncovered yesterday as I was checking all the output lines.  Thanks for the suggestion.

B

[pigbike]

My 1999 200 Johnson has the same cold start problem. I find that I have to keep bumping the key switch to activate the enrichment circuit a few times. Once she is warm it's fine all day. I really hate to deal with this as I expect it to start like a car but that is not the case.

I pump the fuel bulb really hard as that is your first shot of fuel until the fuel pump takes over.  I feel your pain!

[Bergertime]

Final update- Well I think the spark plug change deffinately helped but the battery charge really made the difference.  It fired right up yesterday morning on the hose b/f we set out for the boat ramp.  I guess I did not realize the decline in the starter speed as it happened over time but after the charge it was very obvious that it was spinning much faster.  It's prob is the best possible outcome being that a battery charge is a easy fix.  I will prob end up replacing the deep cycle batteries as they are over two years old if they have a problem holding the charge.  Once again-- Thanks to all who provided their thoughts and advice!

Bruce

[pigbike]

For some reason mine cold starts easier on the hose then in the water. Not sure why.

[CTsalt12]

I think it's pretty common for engines to start easier with the hose on because there is no resistance.  Also-I think for all carbed 2-strokes you are supposed to push throttle forward in neutral.  That's what I do with my Merc, push throttle forward in neutral till you feel a bit of resistance.  Takes me about 3-4 seconds during initial start, then 1-2 each time after that max.