Trouble starting 2 stroke 40 hp merc

[Chadku]

Hey guys I know it has gotten colder but for the past 2 months it has been sort of a pain in the butt to get my 2002 40 hp Merc started. Once I finally do and get it warmed up by running it full throttle it runs great the rest of the day and starts up right away. Last week I installed some new spark plugs and put in a new tank of gas and stabil. Still took me maybe 3-5 minutes to get her started up when she was starting up on the 1st or 2nd turn in the summer. Its kept in a garage, so it only gets cold on the way to the lake which is never more than a 45 min drive. Any ideas on things to look at or clean up to help me with my problem? Could it be as simple as a new primer bulb or do you think it could get deeper than that?

Thanks, Chad

[Barnacle Bill]

Cold motors in cold weather often require more choking than normal. Here is a trick I learned from the boys at "Scream and Fly.com" (they race outboards). Turn the key on, push it in and count to 7 slowly. Then start normally. You may have to adjust the count up or down for your motor. After it starts keep bumping the choke as necessary until it is running smoothly. Hope that helps.

[Chadku]

thanks for the tip!

[cutbait101]

check the electric selinold valve on the left side of the motor,lay your hand on it and have some one turn the key on the first notch and push the choke in.it should warm up in less than 10 seconds,if it takes longer it is defective.this is a common problem with these valves.good luck

[azslabber]

My 1995 Mercury 40 2-stroke is the same way.Exactly like IBNFSHN,a little more choke then usual,I usually hold in the key for about an 8 second count.Make sure that your primer bulb is hard and off to the crappie,after a couple minutes of running of course.