93 Evinrude 115 V4 Starts Hard Cold

[chopperguy]

I need help figuring out why this O/B starts hard when cold. It fires runs a couple seconds and quits. Repeat this 4 times then it finally stays running. Once hot it starts fine. I recently purchased it, but here's what I know:
Compression all 4 cyl. within 5 PSI. Mid 90's (maybe low but its a cheap gauge)
I just replaced spark plugs, Stator, Power Pack and rect./Reg. (Had a bad stator that quit when hot)
Replaced the T-stats too.
Carbs where cleaned by some mechanic. It runs fine from idle to WOT once running.
VRO removed. Mechanic put an electric automotive fuel pump on. Seems to work, But I'm planning on replacing it.
New cables installed. Throttle will not open much with the lever. seems like a lot of play. I've adjusted it as best I know how.

Hope this helps me figure this out. Thanks!

 

[Bosunsmate]

How are you operating the choke?
Whats your start up procedure?

 

[chopperguy]

Has a primer. I lift the throttle full which doesn't open the valves much. Crank and depress primer until it fires no more than a few seconds.

 

[emdsapmgr]

You may need to keep the key switch pushed in till it starts to fire. Then briefly, probably every 10 seconds will it starts to warm up. That choke only work when the key is pushed in. When you lift the warm-up lever, it doesn't open the carb butterflys much, just enough to add some extra air for the extra fuel.