Very hard starting BF8A. Need help

[hz]

I've done a search and haven't found anything quite like this. I got a 1999 BF8A with a boat I bought and starting it is a bear. It can take 12 to 15 or more pulls with the choke out, the choke in and the choke 1/2 way out. I'm an old guy and this is killing me. Once it's going, it purrs like a kitten. Turn it off and it'll start again. Wait 2 hours and it's like it was never started. The local dealer says to turn the handle all the way it will go in neutral, pull out the choke and it should start in a couple of pulls. No dice. Sometimes it will start with a spray of starter fluid, other time it won't. I've been told that it's probably not the carb, but could it be?

I'm not very mechanical so I don't know how to clean a carburetor but I can buy a new one for $109. Could this be the problem? Is it worth spending the money? I can't take my wife out until this problem is resolved. HELPPPPPP>

Harris

 

[hondon]

Re: Very hard starting BF8A. Need help

With an engine that is hard starting cold you need to start with the basics.What are your compression numbers?When is the last time your valve adjustment was checked?Ancient or substandard fuel?Idle set too slow?Weak or intermittant ignition while pulling it over cold?My bet would be that the idle is set way too slow and even advancing that grip all the way[which is the right way to do it]is still not opening that butterfly enough.