From my personal experience with my 89-125HP, I used to have starting problems but only when cold. Following all the correct starting procedures did not help either. So I decided to do some serious troubleshooting in the water. And what I found out is very unusual.
When I push in the ignition switch, I can hear and see the choke (mechanical solenoid type) engages. And then as soon as I turn the key to start position, the starter motor engages but also at the same time, the choke drops down despite keeping the ignition switch pushed in!
I tried this more than a couple of times and I cannot get the motor to fire. And the more I try cranking it over the slower the starter goes. However, if I held on the solenoid linkage the motor will burp and then next cranking without choking starts the motor.
From this diagnosis, I concluded if the battery is not big enough in starting capacity or charge, whenever the starter engages, the choke system will drop down. And this is because electricity always takes the path of least resistance.
The starter cable is quite very large compare to the #12 wire on the starter solenoid, and the starter itself is almost a direct short in sucking power, hence depriving the solenoid of power to stay engaged.
My remedy? Installed a 30 amp single pole single throw 12V auto relay relay. The relay's coil is powered by the original green choke wire from the ignition switch. The power circuit of the relay is connected directly to the starter solenoid with a #8 wire and the other end to the solenoid. Never had any starting problem ever since.
Obviously, this only applies to mechanical type choke system. If you have the enricher type choke system, you want to check make sure the fuel lines are clear and not bent and is actually working.
