Cold starting Yamaha

Anyone know the secret to cold starting a 1999 50 HP Yamaha 4 stroke outboard? Always starts great when warmed up, but the first start requires some cranking. Bulb is pumped hard, no choke that I’m aware of? What is the secret!?

I hate to say this BUT it probably needs some carb work.

here is a good place to start for more pertinent info

http://www.marineengine.com/boat-forum/forumdisplay.php?37-Yamaha-Outboard-Forum

I used to have a 9.9 4stk kicker that was a pain to start even with electric start when cold. Lots of cranking.

Switched to synthetic oil and you could not touch the starter button fast enough to keep it from starting. If I had not seen the difference my self I probably would not have believed the difference it could make.

Bulb is pumped hard, no choke that I’m aware of?

Are you able to push the key while you turn? That’s how the choke works on most boats I’ve had. Also if I’m having trouble getting my motor to go I’ll give a little throttle while cranking

I had a 60 Yamaha that was the same way, took forever to start until it was warmed up, then would start right away. It was the carbureted engine. I took it in to have it serviced, they went through all the carbs, no difference. It was the worst boat engine I ever owned.

I had a 150 XR6 mercury that was really cold blooded. I figured out how to get it to start much better in cold weather. I would pump the bulb so it was hard push and hold the key in to choke the motor but wait 15 to 20 seconds before I would turn the motor over. That normally would get it to pop off right away. Again that was starting in near freezing temps. It may be trial and error until you figure out what works for your motor. If you didn’t know pushing in the key is how to choke the motor that may be all you need.

Tiller model and cannot push in the key. It has been like this since I purchased it. Just wish it had a choke.

If its carb’d I would try opening the throttle a few times before cranking it to richen it up a tad. Pump the bulb then throttle open a few times then go back to the neutral position and crank it. Just need to give it more fuel on the first few revs to get it to pop.

My 2002 2str 90 Merc was a hard starter in the cold until I started adding Seafoam to every tank. My Vmax 150 4str is pushing 5yrs old now and still starts instantly and I only use Seafoam in the 1st fill up and last tank of each season.

The primestart probably is bad, part .PRIME STARTER ASSY
63D-14380-00-00 It is close to $180

John Timm wrote:

Tiller model and cannot push in the key. It has been like this since I purchased it. Just wish it had a choke.

I’m not sure on that model, but on my 25hp Yamaha it has a choke that is based on temperature. No button, no key push. Chances are yours does to. I would take it to a Yamaha dealer. Something on yours is not operating correctly.

I did the throttle twist a few times yesterday and it seemed to help. Maybe a little more experimenting and it might get better. Runs perfect when warm.