My yamaha 20 hp outboard is always hard to start first time I use it for the day but after she starts she runs fine and starts every time the rest of the day. Im not sure if the fuel gets through first time but I squeeze the ball really hard. I never see any fuel leaking out no matter how many times I squeeze the ball. I have tried choke, no choke but I think its fuel.
Sorry to dispute what rubs says but no that is not completely normal for any 2stroke no matter what the age is, the problem that the engine has is almost certainly carbs which need a good proper cleaning
www.orcamarine.co.uk, February 2010
First thing you should do is check that you are starting the engine properly the yamahas are extremely good engines and when running correctly never ever need engine starting fluid this will wear your engine quickly and cover any possible early warning problems(the reason for excess wear is that starting fluid has no oil in it)the correct staring proceedure is pull out choke raise the revs on tiller/control box squeeze primer bulb until hard pull it over it should start in under 4 pulls(make sure you really pull it hard and fast)if the engine is not starting easily check that the idle mixture screw is out 1.5 turns from lightly seated position if it still has a problem you probably have a slight problem in your idle circuit of the carb.
www.orcamarine.co.uk, February 2009
That's completely normal for any older 2-stroke engine. I have a '00 yamaha 90tlr and twin 120hp mercury force outboards that do the same thing. I just always make sure the ball is firm, the fast idle lever is up, and I'm using the choke. And if that doesn't work I'll take a bottle of ether (engine starting fluid) and spray it into the air filter.
