Hard start sometimes

[porknose]

I have a 1991 130HP Yahama that I trailer. When I bought it, I was told it was rebuilt. When I first got it, it seemed fine. Lately, when I first start it after launching,(cold start) it seems to start ok. I head out to do my fishing, maybe a 15 to 20 minute run, and make a drift, sometimes a half hour drift, sometimes it is hard to get restarted. This isn't every time though. If I shut it down and try to restart it right away, (warmed up engine) it seems to start ok. I can't say for sure what makes the difference on when it's harder to start. When I tow it back home (about a 2 1/2 hour trip) after a day of fishing I run it in the driveway to flush the saltwater out and it fires right up. Seems like it starts easy cold, and it starts easy if it's restarted soon after it's been running a while. It's almost like it's an area between when it's hot or cold that gives the problem. I put new plugs in it and that's about all I did so far. The last time it didn't want to start right away, I had my wife fold over the gas hose and keep it pinched shut and it started right up. Whether this helped or it just happened that it was going to restart anyway, I haven't a clue. Any help here would be appreciated. VAPOR LOCK????? Thanks in advance.

 

[andrewkafp]

Re: Hard start sometimes

You have described EXACTLY what happens with my 1980 Merc 50. I am convinced it's not an engine problem, it's a starting procedure issue. My motor is always a good starter. hot or cold, but when we anchor for a while, I'm not sure whether to use the choke, prime the bulb, just turn the key, or some other combination. Whatever I choose, either floods it or starves it.. and it gives me a few minutes of grief.<br />So.. you need to guess.. Is it cold, warm or hot ?<br />Cold.. Prime bulb,use choke, push up fast idle, turn key.<br />Hot.. just turn key<br />Warm.. I suggest. Squeeze bulb, and use fast idle lever, no choke.If it won't kick after a few cranks, hit the choke for a second or two.<br />I've read this all over the forum and no-one has a "Fix" for it and that is why I think it is an operator error and not an Outboard problem.