Re: Hard starting 250 Pro XB-Suggestions?
I would start at the hotfoot. The cable linkage back at the throttle cam MUST return to the idle stop when you let off the hotfoot. The linkage is attatched to the Throotle Position Sensor --so whatever position the TPI is in when you turn on your ignition --the computer recognizes as "idle". If the linkage doesn't always return the TPI to idle stop--the TPI voltage will be incorrect to start a cold motor. My guess is that by pressing it twice to start is freeing up some binding linkage. I've also seen the top belt shroud interfere with the throttle/TPI/ cam follower linkage, especially if it's been removed and not put back on correctly. Easy to check, pull your cowl, have someone inspect the linkage on the motor before the cold start, push the hotfoot, then see if the linkage ends up further closed. Hotfoot is installed by boatbuilders, not Mercury, they get them wrong sometimes.
