185s cold start

[berfish]

I have a 1983 185s that runs great anytime the temp. is above 40F. But it is really hard to get it to start when it is cold out. All summer it is one pull and off you go. From what I can tell the choke is in the middle? position all the time in the summer when it is running good. I am thinking carb but I am not experienced at all with any carb. adjusting. A guy from work sugested a synthetic oil. I have searched on other sites but I haven't found anything. I really want to get it out ice fishing. Thoughts? Thanks.

[Macgyver55]

If it has to be on half choke to run properly when warm its a good indication that the pilot jet and/or main jet are at least partially plugged. This causes it it to be too lean and results in poor cold starts. You'll need to remove the carb to thoroughly clean the jets and circuits, and when the carb is off, inspect carb mounting boot for cracks. Once this is done it should start better. And if it sits for long periods of time without using it, shut off the fuel and run it out, or at the very least put some Seafoam in the tank to keep it from plugging up again.