Problems starting 2002 Utopia

[Fonz]

Problems starting 2000 to Utopia
I have a 2002 Utopia 185 with the 210 hp Mercury jet drive. This is our second summer with it and it has been running fine. The past couple of weeks when starting a cold engine it only runs for a couple of seconds and stalls out. It does this several times before it will stay running. Once running it runs Great. We can shut it off and it will start right up and run fine. It’s only when it’s been sitting for a day or so it has trouble idling. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance

 

[Dr Honda]

I would make sure that all 6 plugs are firing. If they are... then look at the choke system. It's just an enriching valve. It could be stuck or bad. And then... replace the fuel filters. They could be plugged and be marginal about sending fuel to the carbs.

 

[Fonz]

Replaced plugs. No change. All seem to be firing. Fuel filter this weekend and will check the choke system and air filter. Thanks

 

[Dr Honda]

Replacing the plugs wasn't suggested. You need to verify that there is an actual spark on each of them. This is to verify the electrical is working.

 

[Fonz]

Sorry, I should’ve confirmed that. I did check for spark on each of the plugs individually but I had already purchased new ones so I replaced them anyways. The old ones didn’t look too bad. We only get to our cottage on weekends so I’m trying to eliminate as many things as possible each time I go.

 

[Fonz]

Update. New fuel filter, spark on all plugs. No change in starting when boat has been sitting for a couple of days. Not sure how to check the choke system. Any info would be great!

 

[Dr Honda]

On the choke solenoid... there's a manual plunger on it. Hold it, and try to start it.

 

[Fonz]

I will check that this weekend. Also I should’ve mentioned that when it does keep running after 10 to 15 tries it’s smokes a lot for about 30 seconds out of the exhaust

 

[Fonz]

The last couple of times it has started really well. Hopefully I have the problem solved with all the information you have given me to check. I also added a fuel additive called STARTEK which I’ve been told removes water and mould from the tank.

Here’s another question, on the side of the boat near the fuel tank filler cap a sticker reads use regular Unleaded fuel only. Being is this boat is a 2002 I know there are more additives to gasoline now than there used to be. I.e. ethanol. Is it OK to burn premium fuel or am I just wasting money. I’ve had much more luck burning premium fuel in things like lawnmowers, chainsaws and other two-stroke motors.