My new to me boat came with a 225 Evinrude (carb'd) which the previous owner took in to the shop and had it gone through before he sold it to me. I noticed when I take it out it takes quite a few tries to keep it running at first. I'm pushing in for choke and can hear it activate, so the choke works.
My buddy says all Evinrudes are hard starting at first, then anytime that same day they will start on the first crank. So far that is correct for this motor.
The last Evinrude I owned was a 60hp and it started cold just fine, but it also had a lever next to the throttle for high idle, the 225 doesn't have that. I'm I missing something, or is this normal?

Be sure that the primer bulb is hard. Turn the key to the on position and push in the choke, without cranking, for about 5 seconds. Continue pushing the choke and crank over it should start up, you may have to bump the choke in a couple of times after it fires up to keep it running. Make sure battery is fully charged and good because these motors need to crank over fast.

Also all motors have a fast lever. If your engine is using a hidden side mount. Press the button in the center of the shift handle. If it is a binnical mount, the J/E will have a square button on top of the housing and if it is an after market, the handle pulls out to activate the fast lever feature. But some where on the control box is that feature.

Don't have any problems with my 1984 35hp Evinrude. It sat all summer in the driveway and she started with ease this fall. Prime the bulb, choke it alittle, and BAMMMM she fires right up and stays idling.

Thanks Mike. There is a button on the bottom part of the shift lever that pushes in. I'll give that a try. The motor starts right up, just won't keep running. I kept thinking there needs to be a fast idle option somewhere.

The fast idle lever should take care of your problem. Evinrude is a great engine imo.

Mine was till I put an electric fuel pump on it even idles better than ever 94 120hp

Yup.

sounds like you have a fuel/carb problem. fuel pump maybe.

. this works on mine....

They are just cold natured. Mine has always been that way.

If I make sure and get the primer bulb hard, my '97 115 hp starts on the first try most of the time. I hold the choke in for a second or two like Tommy said. If that doesn't take care of it, it's probably a fuel issue.

Had the same problem on a 90 hp Evinrude. After following all of the same advice as you have received, I was still having issues. It would take 10-20 tries before it would start and stay running.

Check your spark plug gap. Mine were gapped at .025 rather than the proper gap of .030. I re-gapped them, now it starts on the first or second try. Problem solved.

Welcome to the site.....................
thanks, that is a GOOD tip..

I have a 92' 200 hp,its hard to start up the first time in the mornings.After it starts that first time it will fire right up the rest of the day quick and every time.Yes its very cold natured.