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I always had a hard time starting my 1995 Johnson 90, until I finally hit upon a solution which starts it first time for me every time. In my case, the solution was to turn the key to "ON" without hitting the starter, push the key in to run the primer for about 5 seconds before trying to start, and then, keeping the key pushed in, turn the key to engage the starter. I sometimes have to push the key in once or twice for just a second to keep it running. I have the throttle set to run about 2000 rpm upon starting, and then kick it back to idle as soon as it is running.
TacoHunter wrote:When it fires up, and the engine revs and stops, I have been able to start it without the choke 2 separate times.
When you start the engine from cold and it fires up and rev's, then begins to rev down towards a stall, momentarily push the key in to give it a pulse of gas through the choke system as Paul describes. This is a very common technique and will keep the engine running so that you'll only have to turn the key once initially and not have to start it multiple times when cold. You may have to push the key in momentarily a number of times during warm up depending on your engine, but once you get a feel for it, you may be able to keep the engine running after only one turn of the key. Your starter motor will last much longer too. Give it a try next time.
I went through a similar experience with the 1990 Merc on my Montauk. It took me the entire first summer of ownership to become proficient enough to get her to start on the first try. Now I don't even bother starting her ahead of time as 30 seconds of priming and prep on the ramp while waiting for a spot is enough.
As said, priming with the arrow on the bulb facing the sky and continuing until it is solid is very important.
As for starting, I use a similar technique to dave and press the key in and out of choke several times while starting, especially on cold mornings.
I also can say I use a fuel stabilizer with every fill of the tank and I have noticed an improvement in relialibility and smoothness while running.
