1991 Evinrude 225 hp

Initially was a cold start issue as the choke did not appear to work but I was always able to start by spraying starter fluid into the carbs. Once started, it ran great and started every time while warm. Purchased a rebuild kit for the primer solenoid and re installed it. Initially, it started with the choke but quickly started losing power and running rough and smoking. I was not quite sure of the red plastic setting on the primer. Any help would be appreciated.

There is no longer a choke!... There is now a fuel primer solenoid that injects fuel into the intake manifold to prime the engine.

The RED lever should be turned gently until it seats all the way and aimed at the other end of the solenoid. This is the proper aim of the RED lever for starting and running the engine.

Proper starting procedure is to... Pump the fuel primer bulb up until it is hard... Apply a slight bit of throttle only if your engine does not have the Fast Start feature... Turn the key to the START position and push the key in at the same time to engage the fuel primer solenoid... When the engine fires & starts, let go of the key to let it return to the ON position.

Thanks for your input. Would failure to follow the set up on the solenoid result in the poor running condition?