Yamaha starting issue

[b10doyle]

Hey everyone, I have a 1987 Yamaha 70hp 2 stroke ETLH model (auto mixing pump for the gas/oil) and I'm having a starting issue. Bought the boat/motor this year, and I was told it sat for the past 2 seasons. Figured it would give me a hard time but fired up and ran great the first 3 or 4 times out, then began having a hard time starting. I sprayed carb cleaner on the three "gates" of the carbs and it fired up. Now I have to do that every time or it will just crank and crank and never fire. I assume the carb cleaner is just acting as starting fluid (I know to never use actual starting fluid). Tried new gas twice, new primer bulb, new fitting for the portable tank and the line that clips into the motor, tried a different portable tank, new fuel filter, checked all connections/lines and didn't find any leaks or cracks. I just spray the three carb openings every time and it fires right up. Runs great, idles fine, full throttle with no issue, it even starts up after it's warmed up. Not the worst problem, but pretty annoying, and I'm hoping someone has an idea.

 

[GA_Boater]

Does this motor have a working choke or primer and do you use it for cold starts?

 

[b10doyle]

Yes it has a choke which operates as it should, the gates all open and close as I slide it in and out. I was opening it up for cold starts, then started having the issue and I've tried it open, closed and half way, all with the same result.

 

[99yam40]

should have to push the key switch in as you turn it over to close the electric choke for cold start.
fast idle lever should be opened a little while doing this also

 

[b10doyle]

The electric choke is actually a little switch under the key, and I never had to push the key in the first few times but I can give it a try. What is the fast lever? The only way I can accelerate is to have it in gear, with the shift lever forward?

 

[robert graham]

Try pumping the primer bulb until hard right before your next cold start....sometimes this helps my C90 cold start better....carb float chambers seem to like being full up for best cold starting....

 

[b10doyle]

Yes, I've been using the bulb everytime. Like I said, worked great the first few times, did everything exactly the same and now it has this weird starting problem everytime. I'm going to put some sea foam through it, see if that helps.

 

[99yam40]

all controls have a way to advance the throttle without putting the motor into gear.
some have a small lever you lift and others have a button you press to disengage the gear shift so you can get it done

 

[MSST8DOG]

Look on the side of your control lever where it pivots to go forward and back. There should be a rubber "plate" that covers a button that releases the gear linkage and allows you to advance throttle in neutral. Just remember not to rev it up too far in neutral.