Cold start issues

[Matthew A.]

It would appear that my motor no longer cares to start right away when attempting to do so only after the motor has not been used for a few days. Such as when trying to start the motor in the early A.M. while on the launch ramp. However, once the motor has warmed up a bit it will start each and every time with only a revolution or two or less of the flywheel. The motor has no problem starting even if the motor has not been run for several hours. The plugs are clean. I have gone thru the entire wiring for the CDI, coils, and ignition system. I run a two battery system which combines both batteries all the time unless voltage rises or falls below user adjustable set points. Fuel mix is fresh or mixed with fuel mix from the privious trip. However, fuel is never older then a two or three weeks old. I also run an inline fuel/water seperator filter. The choke system also operates correctly. I have a feeling the trouble is most likely carburator or fuel system related and not electrical. However, I was hoping someone might be able to zero in on what could cause the motor to be difficult to start when cold.

 

[azlakes]

Re: Cold start issues

hi Matthew;

so no major changes done just a little slower? why not try a new set of plugs and see if anything changes?

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Cold start issues

Define "Right Away." During the cold start are you cranking for one half hour or five minutes, or one minute?

 

[Matthew A.]

Re: Cold start issues

Oops! My bad for using the term "right away". I try not to crank the motor for longer then a minute or so out of concern for possibly damaging the starter. Whether or not doing so is really an issue, I don't know. Anyhow, the motor starts after about ten minutes or so of off and on cranking. I have tried leaving the throttle wide open and allowing the motor to sit for a couple of minutes incase I flooded the motor. After doing so the motor does start but only after an additional two or three minutes of cranking. So, I am uncertain if that had any effect on whether or not the motors starting ability. The plugs are brand new with less then 20 hours on them. Although, the starting issue did not become apparent until I switched plugs with the brand new ones I am running now. Could a bad plug be a possibility? Despite being new? I ran a compression check and got 135, 135, 134 for compression. Same readings as when I first rebuilt the motor. Also, when I check the plugs for fouling after spending the day on the water there is almost zero deposits on any of them. The primer bulb pressurizes the fuel and remains pressurized until the motor has ran for a few minutes as well as remaining full of fuel as should be. Also, the glass fuel filter you recommended I install between the fuel pump and carbs stays full of fuel and is clean of debris as well.
The motor has always been a quick starter coming off the trailer. Requiring only 10 to 20 seconds of cranking to start. Using the choke only to get the initial fuel charge into the cumbustion chamber. Once started for the first time that day, the motor starts withing 2 or 3 seconds of cranking for the rest of the day and does not require any use of choke. That is why I am a bit at a loss.