Used but newly purchased engine in good condition. I have recently installed a new thermostat, new fuel filter, new spark plugs, good gasoline. Use newly purchased cranking battery to fire electric starter. Live at 5,200 feet in altitude, previous owner said they adjusted carb for high altitude use (9,500 feet) and had used it for several years prior to me on their mountain sailboat with limited use. When starting motor for the first time after being stored for any period longer than a few weeks, starter cranks over repeatedly without firing up engine for several minutes. This occurs in hot and cold weather. Notice a loud clanking noise when I initially quit cranking electric start after a few cycles. Eventually the engine will eventually start and then runs just fine. If I restart again after it is warm, say later in the same day or even a few days later, it starts instantly without any issues. If i wait longer than a few weeks to use the engine again, this starting issue begins over again. Otherwise motor runs well and have not had any other problems.
Where to start on a diagnosis?
Where to start on a diagnosis?