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1980 85hp Evinrude cold start problem

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pkingco

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Hi all, I have a 1980 85hp Evinrude v4 that takes multiple starts before it will continue running. It starts up easily, but then stalls out as though it's starved for gas. After multiple starts (like 20), it catches and runs great at idle and at all speeds—smooth, no hiccups. This spring I removed and cleaned the carbs and replaced needle and float, replaced fuel pump, lines and clamps (no leaks). I have good pressure in the line from the tank—no leaks in feed line. Where should I look first for the cause of this cold-start problem?
 
choke working?are you using the fast idle lever?putting the controls in neutral and picking the lever up and then holding in the key to start?..then let it run for a minute or so at fast idle...just keep it below 2k rpms...
 
It has the electric primer.---That must be operated while cranking the motor over to start.----Thenn it must be operated if motor falters untill motor warms a bit.-----Thermostats are installed and working ??
 
Thanks for your replies. I replaced the ignition switch, and it seems to be choking, but I'm not positive it is. On the old switch, I could tap in on the key to choke momentarily, but I'm not sure that is working with the new one... it doesn't do the trick, anyway. I have a new Teleflex single arm control, which doesn't have a "fast idle" position. No way to rev up in neutral. Any thoughts on best way to test the electric choke operation? Way to test if thermostats are working? I don't know where thermostats are located... will look up, but thanks if you can help with any guidance.
 
Tapping the choke does not work.----Choke / primer must be held on while cranking !!----Your control does have a fast idle position on it.---Read the instructions on the control or ask a boat shop to show you how it works.
 
Interesting. With my old ignition switch, tapping the choke works when the engine is about to cut out on cold starts. By tapping I mean holding in quickly and releasing. The new one doesn't behave the same way, so led to my questioning whether or not it is in fact choking. I'll look into the fast idle position, but what I've experienced so far is neutral, then click to engage forward. Nothing in between. Will update after investigating further. Thanks.
 
When you tap the switch the electric primer valve opens momentarily to squirt gas into the intake manifold !-----For cold starting the primer must be held open while cranking untill motor fires and then after that you may have to " tap ' the switch to keep the motor from faltering and stalling.--------------Learning the correct procedure will also save you from damaging an expensive starter motor.-----Some of these controls pull sideways to disengage the shift function and some have a button.--Any pictures of the controls ? --Do you have the instructions for the new controls ?
 
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