ok question i have a hard time starting my engine when it's cold ( when i am launching the boat) and was wandering what i was doin wrong. I would prime the bulb probably 3-4 time or until it gets hard. I would open up the idle a little b4 i do that but i find myself the 4-5 mins trying to get it to start. Now when it starts it's good to go for the next few days it's just that initial cold start., what am i doin wrong?

steve

Hey I've got the same engine and 05' and sometimes have a similar problem. I'll give you my entire starting process. Might be slightly different depending on the throttle you have.

1. Prime until the bulb gets hard

2. Set it into the fast idle by pushing in the center part of the throttle and then putting it in forward.

3. Turn key to where it chirps, then hold it in for a count of five. I believe that is suppsed to choke it or somethin along those lines. I was told my a friend that has had an XR6 since I believe the 90's.

4. Turn the key to start the engine.

Generally works but as I'm sure you already know don't just turn the key. It may need to crank for several seconds. As I said it should start pretty good with that process. If you still have the book for you engine go through that too. That helped me figure out the best way to get it to consitantly start. Hope this helps and let me know if it works or not.

bassdocktor

Try holding the choke on a little longer on the initial start.  My Yamaha is the same way from a dead cold start after the engines been idle for a couple weeks.  My engine actually has a manual choke lever on it you can pull (though I rarely use it).  

Make sure engine is vertical. Those carbed motors can be difficult to start when cold if not in a vertical position.

thx bassdockter and others that worked like a charm.

steve

Glad all our advice worked out.

bassdocktor