My '96 9.9hp. elec. start Nissan runs well when warmed up and idles smoothly without smoking. However, it is really hard to start the first time. I have to pump the bulb a lot, choke it and then crank the motor a lot until it hits. It then smokes a lot, and tends to die if I put it in gear. The smoke indicates that it might be flooded, but that's the only way it will start.

I had the carb. overhauled earlier but that didn't seem to help. I would take it back to the mechanic, but it's my fishing season and the motor would be out of commission for several weeks. Any suggestions?