Primer Solenoid Help

Fellow Johnson Owners, New to this site and it looks like a keeper. I have a 2000 Johnson 90 hp (J90PLSSE) that is very hard to start. I have used non-ethanol gas for the past 4 years and it runs great after the first start. The process on how we start is; prime bulb, turn key and wait till all warning lights are off, turn key all the way till engine turns over and then push key in to choke, sometime flooding the engine. Takes several times and is very frustrating sitting at a public ramp with others wanting to launch. Was told it might be the primer solenoid, how do you check to see if that is the problem before spending $200 for the part? Any help is deeply appreciated. Thanks

Listen for the click when you turn the key to " on " and push in the key.---------------Try pushing the key in when motor is warmed up, if motor slows down the primer valve is working.--------What position is the red lever in ?