Hard Starting Merc 6

[quicktach]

The engine is 4 years old and is very hard to start. Choking sometimes helps and other times doesn’t. A dozen pulls on the cord won’t always start it. Getting it going is a hit and miss exercise. Good gas, clean plug gas cap vent open. Going past the restart position on the tiller handle doesn’t always work. Anyone else got one of these and any ideas?
I’m thinking a carb disassembly and boil out may be necessary, but only as a last resort.

 

[jimmbo]

Have you tired spraying a bit of Fuel into the Carb Throat?
Can a Spark jump a 3/8" gap on all Cylinders?
What condition are the Plugs in?
And Everyone's Favorite, What are the Compression Numbers?

 

[Chris1956]

If fuel is left in those engines, the carbs can gum up pretty quickly.