Here is what I do: I open the fuel line, pull out the choke (fully engaged, and then partially after a few pulls), and then pull-pull-pull on the starter. I pull many times, somewhat compulsively, because I just know she will start up if I pull just one more time. At this point, she is clearly flooded, and there has been nary a spark nor a sputter -- absolutely no encouraging signs of life at all. Sadly, she is so flooded by this time that there are a droplets of fuel falling into the lake. (Sorry, environment.) After about 30 seconds of some combination of silent reflection, beverage-freshening, and the use of somewhat coarse language, I close the fuel line, close down the choke, open up the throttle all the way, and start to pull some more with results as follows:
First pull: nuttin'.
Second pull: spark, sputter.
Third pull: she starts up and begins to purr like a happy little kitten.
After about 10 seconds or so, I open the fuel line once again and shortly thereafter, away we go. What is just as remarkable is that she starts on the very first pull later on when it's time to motor back into the slip.
So, my primary question is What da? My secondary question is 'Should I not open up the choke when I first attempt to start her in order to effectively bypass the whole ridiculous 'flood, then starve' routine?' I am so clueless about outboards. My general strategy is simply 'treat her like a lady, and she will return the favor,' but I think she is becoming a little too highmay at this point.
