"Matt, Check to make sure the
"Matt, Check to make sure the choke closes upon cold start. Also, sometimes the carbs empty back into the fuel tank, so you have to crank the motor until the carb fills back. Pump the throttle, with the spark arrestor off and see if it squirts gas. if not the carb bowl is dry.
Now, these motors put out some steam in the exhaust, when warm. If you have steam upon start up, you may have a leaking manifold, or more likely a leaking riser or riser gasket. If you boat on salt water, and have not replaced risers and manifolds, it is likely time to do so."