cold start T9.9

[Fish mojo]

I have a problem w/1992 T9.9 4-stroke cold starting. I replaced the enrichment start coil on the carb. The carb is clean as new. I have to feather my fingers over the air intake to block the air flow (i.e. choke) and it kicks finally. Once warm- runs great all day. I just get tired of pulling the engine cover 1st thing to do the initial start. Any ideas?

[boats.net]

It is usually in the carb, the enrichment valve always goes into the choke position when cold it is not until the engine starts that the valve heats up and comes off of choke, but you have to make sure the piston can move freely in carb. Check all passages in carb, they are very small and hard to tell if open and check float height.