I have a 1992 model DT40 that has difficulty starting and pracically will not idle at all. I'll go into a little more detail here about exactelty what happens. <br /> As I stated, the engine is VERY difficult to get started. It takes a combination of using the electric starter (choked) and usually kicks over after about 5 minutes of effort with the pull rope. Somehow, the last time I took the engine to the mechanic, my manual choke switch came back disengaged, so that means that the engine is cranking un-choked...but only after a ton of effort. Also, to get it started, the warm-up lever on the control box has to be at almost full or completely full throttle. Once started and warmed up for a minute or so, the engine will run for +/- 5 minutes and then start to die. Unless I am there to throttle the gas, the engine will die. <br /> Now for the strange part. The aformentioned procedure occurs when I have the engine out of the water and am using "muffs" to supply water. Once I take the engine to the ramp and get it started and try to shift into forward or reverse @ idle the engine almost instantly dies. I have never crossed paths with a problem such as this before. <br /> When I called my mechanic his suggestions were as follows: 1. The engine could've been regularly started with starting fluid by the previous owner. If so, I will have to continue to start the engine with starting fluid. 2. Buy a hotter spark plug (than what is required by Suzuki) to assist the engine to function properly.<br />3. The starter is "weak" and needs to be replaced/re-worked. I don't doubt that this guy "might" be on the right track....but his suggestions just don't seem right. <br /> The engine has good compression and spark. On the top end, the engine runs great. It only has problems cranking and running at low RPM's. I inspected the cylinder heads. There is some build-up/residue on the cylinder heads but the cylinder walls look to be in good shape. Once primed the gas bulb stays tight, but not as stiff as when just primed. The "pee hole" is functioning properly and ejecting water at a normal rate. So does anybody have any ideas? What do I need to do to get this thing cranking easily and running smoothly w/o the aid of starting fluid and hotter spark plugs. Any help is GREATLY APPRECIATED.
