2007 20hp 4 stroke HARD START

[ceeteemar]

Just bought a 2007 20hp 4 stroke that is REALLY hard to start when cold. The pull cord does not want to come out. The engine does not turn over. Takes at least 6-8 shoulder wrenching tugs to get it to start. Once started no problem.
Is something out of adjustment?

Also, the shift level seems to move from neutral to in gear once the engine is shut off??

Any ideas or suggestions are welcome.

thanks

[boats.net]

Check the cable(start in gear protection) going to recoil starter is working properly. May have problem with compression release inside engine if that hard to crank over.

[ceeteemar]

fixed it

thanks for the help. Now for another question:

the shift lever does not stay in neutral when the engine is shut off.

hard to find the "slot" for neutral.

What adjustment can be made so that it shifts into neutral and stays there??

Thanks
ceeteemar

[boats.net]

If the lower unit has been removed shift shaft may not be adjusted properly, remove gearcase and set motor and gearcase in neutral and readjust.