cold weather blues

[bwheel54]

I have a 1999 2-stroke 115TLRW that has had a cold weather starting problem from day one. If it is below 35 degrees or so, I struggle getting it going. It starts OK, using the throttle and key push choke (703 control), but after about ten seconds, it starts to smoke profusely and I have to jockey the throttle and tap the choke to keep it running. This goes on for several minutes, until I can coax it into an idle, where I must immediately put it in gear and go. Within 5 seconds underway, it seem to "pick-up," stop smoking, and runs great the rest of the day. On warm days, it starts and runs flawlessly-smooth and strong (idle is set a 900 rpm). Any ideas???-I use Yamalube. I've tried the manual choke on the engine-no better.

[boats.net]

I was hoping someone would answer you. I wont be much help to you, we dont see much cold weather in Florida. Have you tried to open the pilot screws on carbs about 1/4 turn to see if helps?

[bwheel54]

I've not tried anything with the carbs-I reviewed the exploded view of the carbs on parts site and want to positively identify the "pilot screw" you mentioned. Is this the "air adjust screw" part #20, or is the adjustment the "pilot stop screw" #18? Appreciate your help , as have never worked on carbs.
Thanks!
bob

[boats.net]

Yes it's the "air adjust screw". The starting setting is 5/8 of turn out.

[bwheel54]

made the adjustments-I''ll try this weekend- should be about 28 degrees. I'll let you know if it helps-- thanks again!

Bob

[bwheel54]

Unfortunately, making the air adjustments had no effect. I returned the adjusters to spec. I did a sea-foam shock treatment and it was about 50% better the next day. Motor is ten years old and have never cleaned the carbs.
From what I have read on this site, a carb rebuild would be a good idea. I'd like to do this myself, but need to purchase a manual. Which one would you recommend for the carb rebuild procedures, Seloc or Clymer?
Thanks for the help!

Bob

[boats.net]

Yes it wouldn't hurt to clean carbs.
Seloc manuals are available at www.selocmarine.com/
Cylmer manuals at www.clymer.com/
and Yamaha manuals at http://www.yamaha-motor.com/