Yamaha 9.9 electrothermal valve

[jpn]

My 9.9 4cycle no longer starts on its own. I believe i have traced it to the electrothermal valve. The ETV tests okay for both ohms and movement but I believe it may be over extended. After freezing ETV for 30 minutes it retracts maybe an 1/8' or so. when I replace it in carb it starts like a champ, until it warms up and then extends. Plunger does not seem to retract on its own. What is the proper retracted distance from the based to the tip of the plunger? Is the ETV bad? (even though it passes both tests per the manual.) the part is $90 and cannot be returned because it it electrical.

Also note that the motor starts and runs great when I just put my thumb over the hole where the ETV goes, so I think the carb itself is clean and operating properly.

Thanks in advance

[boats.net]

The manual doesn't list exact measurements, if you are sure carb is clean and all passages are open then probably do need to replace it.