hard cold start

[maxum454]

i have a 454 merc 27scr maxum. I am experiencing hard "cold"starts. Cranks, but will not turn over until about the 4th attempt. Should I be pumping the throtle 2-3 times prior to start or just opening up throttle/ choke slightly? Am I flooding it? Or lastly not open up throttle at all? Boat runs great after warm up. Starts first crank after warm also. Cleaned spark arrestor, carb, did not pull plugs after winter storage. also what does it mean when there is a hesitation of power to starter when I crank? Ground starting to not have good contact?<br />thanks all for help<br />djm

 

[jdcook]

Re: hard cold start

454,<br />my 88' merc does the exact same thing, once it is warmed up it runs like a scalded bi@*h, i have tried all the tricks (pumping throttle etc...) and its always the same thing. I have come to the conclusion that if it doesn't start on the first try it floods itself so bad that it has no chance, and if it runs for second and then dies I REALLY have no chance. I have been playing with my idle speed and carb recently but have not found that perfect setting. <br />I wish I had more answers, just thought I would share my problems as well.

 

[Crazy]

Re: hard cold start

I always give mine 2 or 3 pumps before starting ... if I don't then I just have to crank it longer to start it ... She fires right up after a couple pumps

 

[chris in va]

Re: hard cold start

That sounds exactly like what my 302 does. The carb has an accelerator pump, so you have to give it a couple pumps first before starting, but mine just won't start without having the throttle fully open. Ironically, it starts great on the muffs, so maybe backpressure is an issue?