1996 150hp has trouble starting, runs rough

I have a 1996 150hp intruder with three just rebuilt carbs, It is hard to start but after I get it started once, it will start very easily. After it starts it runs rough like it is missing out. Is it a power pack problem, ignition coil problem, or a timeing problem? I realy do not think it is a fuel problem. What should I try first?

Re: 1996 150hp has trouble starting, runs rough

Start with compression check! Let us know what the numbers are.

MAS

Re: 1996 150hp has trouble starting, runs rough

What is your starting proceedure (cold start) ?

With the wrong proceedure they are hard starting for sure.

Re: 1996 150hp has trouble starting, runs rough

I do not have a compression tester. When the boat shop rebuilt the carbs they said it had good compression. The start proceedure is let the engine down squeeze the bulb until it is tightchoke the engine and crank it. I have tried giving it alot of throtle and then I have tried not giving it throtle nothing seems to make a difference. I did pull the plugs out and everyone of them is fireing and they did have some fuel on the plugs. Do you think it is a fuel problem or a electrical problem? Thanks for the help.

Re: 1996 150hp has trouble starting, runs rough

I put new spark plugs in it and it seems to start much easier now but it still runs rough like it is missing out and when you give it throtle it wants to fall on its face and die but you can rev it up and then it will do better but still runs rough. I checked the electric fuel primer and it is fine. I still don't know if it is a electric problem or a fuel problem, power pack or carbs?

Re: 1996 150hp has trouble starting, runs rough

Its an injector solenoid instead of the older choke though right?
Is the red lever correctly set along the length of the solenoid?
Can you hear it click when its keyed?

You need to "gap test" the ignition, a sparkplug against the cylinder head just doesn't do it, under the compression there is a lot more resistance for the spark to jump the gap, autozone sells gap testers for less than $12, set it to 7/16th inch gap or 3/8ths and look for bright blue crack.!
If you get a yellow spark, its weak.

Also be sure to use the correct champion plugs.
Mine runs rough until it starts to warm up a bit, I keep bumping the solenoid for the first 30 seconds to keep it going, then slightly raise the idle and its good for the day.

Everyone develops their own start proceedure, I bump the key 3 times to inject some fuel then crank it , if it fires I push the key in again and it will start running. Worked almost every time so far.

Re: 1996 150hp has trouble starting, runs rough

Yes it is the injector solenoid. Yes I did check to make sure the red lever was in the right position. It does start fine now but it still runs rough. I have not had it in the water yet but when I start it at home it runs rough. If you try to give it throtle it wants to bog down and it surges, It just runs bad. I wonder if it could be the ignition coils? or the power pack? How can you tell if it is a fuel problem or electric one? Thanks for the help please do not give up on me.

Re: 1996 150hp has trouble starting, runs rough

check your spark and compression, when were your carbs last cleaned and rebuilt? how old is your gas?