92 Suzuki DT55 Hard starting??

fjcruiser8

Recruit
Joined
Apr 22, 2012
Messages
3
I have spent a few hours searching this forum and my repair manual for possible answers, with no success so I'm hoping one of you has had a similar problem? and a solution.

My boat sits in the driveway for a week or two? I decide to go fishing so I load up and check it over, which includes turning the key to make sure the battery is ok. Usually it fires right up, without the choke, opening the throttle or even priming the fuel. I drive down to the ramp 5 minutes away or 1 hour away depending on where I'm going that day, stick the boat in the water and the motor cranks and cranks, won't fire nothing!!
If I go to wide open throttle and make sure the fuel is primed using the choke, after awhile it will start, but not without a fight. Once I get out and warmed up, the motor starts right away (turn the key to engage the starter, running!) motor runs great lots of power ( pushes my 16' out of the water no problem) runs about 30-32 mph without any problems.

Since I've owned the boat ( about a year and a half) this has been going on. I have adjusted the carb screws a few times pulled the carbs and cleaned them, replaced the water pump, (nagging suzuki telltale problem had me worried) replaced the fuel hose and primer bulb, checked the fuel delivery hoses filter etc, just did a compression test (very good results 145-150 across the cyl's) checked the ignition leads and spark strength etc.

I have two possible causes for this problem;
1- Carbs needle valves are not seating flooding the engine while trailering
2- problem with vacuum (cold engine) causing fuel delivery problems (reed valves??)

The other thing I noticed was the P/O had a can of ether on board, when I first looked at the boat he never used it for starting??

Thanks for reading
 

99yam40

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Sep 7, 2008
Messages
9,130
Re: 92 Suzuki DT55 Hard starting??

If this motor has a choke then you need to start it by
pumping primer bulb until firm
Raise fast idle arm slightly so throttle plates open some so motor can get some air
Push choke switch while turning key to start
 

fjcruiser8

Recruit
Joined
Apr 22, 2012
Messages
3
Re: 92 Suzuki DT55 Hard starting??

Thats exactly how I have to start the motor after it been trailered? but sometimes it takes a minute of cranking before it starts, other times I have killed the battery before it starts?
 
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