boat motor question

I have a 1972 model 25 horse Evinrude on my boat. It is an electric start. My problem is, that when it's cooler out it's hard to start, say 45 or cooler. It can take 10 minutes to start. But when it does finally start it hits right off for the rest of the day. I've actually had buudies comment on how well it runs. I bought it last spring from a 85 yearold gentleman that had owned it since 1980. I didn't check it, but he told me he had taken the carb apart and cleaned it right before I bought it. I did replace the old plugs with new ones, recommended by evinrude......Is this starting normal for an older motor..?? What else could I do..? I have sprayed carb cleaner in it...but not taken it apart.. Any help or comments would be greatly appreciated....thanks

Does the choke work?

Does it have an electric choke?

Make sure when you pull the choke lever that the butterfly is moving. My linkage came loose and the choke would not work. Same engine.

check the ball on the tank it may be loosing presure in the ball.

I'll check the choke linkage....It has an electric choke switch by the key and it can be manually pulled on the motor.... I also replaced the fuelline and the bulb........thanks very much for the help...

Make sure the bulb is installed with the arrow on it pointing towards the motor. (Don't laugh, I've found them that way) Pump the bulb until firm. Turn the key on and before you try to start it, activate the choke (you should hear a click) and count to 5 slowly. Then start the motor. See if that helps.

Sounds like the choke isn't working the was it should.

One other thing...I didn't replace gas tank...just bulb and fuel line....I'll check tomorrow and see if I have it installed the correct way.. The tank looks several years oldbut, it appears ok..but I guess appearances can be deceiving.

Fessum,

Not sure what "procedure" you use when you start the motor, but here is how I would do it.

1. Pump ball until hard
2. Turn key to "on"
3. Lift choke switch to close choke - Listen to hear choke closing
4. Advance the throttle slightly
4. While holding choke closed, turn key to start position.
5. Continue holding choke closed and key in start position for about 7-10 seconds while "feathering the throttle forward and back slightly" and the motor should start.