Hard start in port motor

[Steelerville]

It seems like something is draggin it down. It starts but no where near as smooth as the other. I got a rope caught back in summer and it has not started the same, this motor as always been a little rough at first start up but gotten worse. Changed plugs recently because it wouldn't start. Finally got it running went out on the water last weekend and it ran fine, started alot better but still a little rough after first start. Any thoughts??

 

[Speedling]

Well, you can try pulling the shaft and seeing if the engine smooths out. Also will give you time to look everything over and look for rope remnants or damage etc.
In case you or someone reading this doesn't know how, it's fairly simple.
Undo the steering linkage on the right side of the pump and put bolts to the side.
Undo the two bolts on the top for the reverse gate and put to the side.
If you have a 2 stroke boat you will need to undo the water intake hose.
Optional is to take the steering nozzle off by removing the top and bottom bolts.
Now there are 4 longer bolts, i believe 14mm, that you undo.
This will undo the whole pump and you can remove. If it stuck, you may be able to pry off the back plate which is your transom plate. Don't do this too hard thoih and work vBulletin it back and forth. You may want a small rubber mallet to go back and forth and wiggle it loose.
Pull the assembly straight back so you need a bit of room in back of the boat. Good time to grease the threads on the shaft as well for good measure.

With the shaft out you will eliminate pump issues from your rough start.

 

[rkluck]

Good info thanks!