78 Johnson 115 Cold start Issue

[phx5kegsman]

Hi the problem I'm having is that my motor won't start when its cold. This motor has a choke solenoid that energizes when you push the key in. I can hear the solenoid closing the butterflies, but the motor still will not start. I have to remove the cover and operate the manual choke lever and it fires right up! Put the cover back on and away I go. Motor runs great and will start up in between fishing pots UNLESS I let it sit for too long. Then it's the same thing manual choke lever and it starts!
Any suggestions? Thanks

 

[racerone]

Adjust the choke solenoid.----And have your battery load tested.-----A fast spinning flywheel is needed to get near instant starting on these fine motors.

 

[phx5kegsman]

Thanks. I will load test the battery Any idea what the cranking amp requirements are for this motor. Also, I have noticed that the motor doesn't trim up/down very fast at all. Tilt up/down is quick and smooth. Could that be battery related, as well? Mine is the old solenoid type type

 

[racerone]

No point guessing.-----Have your battery load tested !

 

[phx5kegsman]

Battery failed load test. I'll get a new one and report back with the results. Any recommendations for a good start battery for these motors. I will also run a sonar/GPS fish finder, Nav and stern lights, bilge pump, and gauges off this battery. Thanks