mercury tune up question

[Lostbay]

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Have a mid 90's 40hp merc and have owned it for 2+ years with only minor problems. Thinking of getting it tuned up before a big trip. What should I expect to pay for this service and what type work is typically included with this?

Also the motor doesn't fire right up when cold. Often times the engine has to turn over several times and be choked 3-10 seconds before it catches (once it's been running it usually fires right up). The repair guy says it will take about an hour and close to $100 to just diagnos the problem(I've been told motor repairs from that point on don't get any cheaper). Is this a road I should go down or just leave well enough alone since it always starts and runs eventually.

[2eyesman2]

change plugs lower unit oil/grease, and clean carbs with gumout and run it..check wires for cracks...basically back yard tuneup and go on your trip!