1976 evinrude 70hp hard to initially start

[Coltrickle]

I lucked up and came across gutted out flat bottom on a nice trailer with a 1976 70 hp evinrude.. I got it for 400 bucks.. The lady said her husband had a good bit of work done on the engine last summer before he fell ill.. So I took the chance and bought it.. After I get it home and take the hood off it has all new gaskets everywhere except the head. New fuel pump, and several other small parts.. I did a compression check and to my surprise it was 125 on the lower 2 cylinders and 122ish on the top cylinder.. The engine however is very hard to start initially.. I have to turn it over several times and it will hit and go dead eventually it will run a few seconds longer every time.. Until it starts and purrs like a kitten.. After this I can turn it off and start it right back up pretty much when I want until it sets a few hours then I have to start all over.. I noticed a kink in he line going to the fuel pump but after I fixed it the problem still persist.. Replaced plugs and all new gas and tank..I also checked the spark gap and it it very strong at a half inch on all cylinders.. Thoughts please?