Yamaha 150 TXR starting trouble

[surfbass]

I couldnt find anything searching past threads so heres my problem. I just bought a new to me boat with a 2006 Yamaha 150 TXR engine. This is a two stroke carberated model. The engine cranks easily and runs perfect all day after the initial cold start. The problem is it takes a long time to get started the first crank of the day. I disconnected the fuel line where it goes into the pump and the fuel flows freely when the primer bulb is pumped (I installed a new bulb just in case). I am in no way a mechanic but the engine sounds like it turns over slower than others that I have had so I had the battery checked. It showed weak so I put a brand new cranking battery on. Still no change. The choke does engage when the key is pushed in and my normal starting routine is to choke it untill it starts letting the starter run for 5-6 seconds at a time. It takes 8-10 of these cycles to finally get it started. Any help or sggestions will be much appreciated.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Yamaha 150 TXR starting trouble

correct starting procedure is throttle up so the engine will start between 1500 and 2000 RPM, hold choke while cranking and fire that hummer up.
the TXR model uses a bushing on the drive shaft above the water pump that can collapse and cause slow cranking RPM.

 

[surfbass]

Re: Yamaha 150 TXR starting trouble

Thanks Rodbolt
I think you have answered questions on every Yamaha I have owned and I appreciate it.

 

[surfbass]

Re: Yamaha 150 TXR starting trouble

I took the air intake cover off the carbs to watch while I engaged the choke. When I turn the key on and pushed it in choke worked and shut off air to the carbs. But when I push in the key while the engine is turning over the choke does not fully engage. I rigged up a manual choke lever ( it was missing) and the engine fired right up. So does this sound like a weak choke that needs replacing or is there something more that it could be?