Yamaha 30 AM Cold staring

[IRW]

I have just acquired a Yamaha 30AM outboard on a Zodiac Futura. It seems to be a bit of a beast on initial starting from cold (seems ok when warm) any tips? I am thinking of getting Iridium (sp) Spark plugs and/or at least cleaning them at the start of the day. It has, apprently, been well serviced.

[spartacus]

Are the spark plugs fouled when you pull them to examine? Try new spark plugs. Also check the fuel/oil ratio. As far as I know show be 100:1 unless it's an Autolube model. You could also try renewing the coil/HT leads to to see if that improves things, although not cheap to replace all three - and then you've to source suitable second-hand parts. You could try replacing one and try starting it and replace each coil and HT lead in sequence.
Yamaha outboard motor HT coil 20-90HP (later type) Used | eBay

Is it manual start and what's the year?

[IRW]

Originally Posted by spartacus

Are the spark plugs fouled when you pull them to examine? Try new spark plugs. Also check the fuel/oil ratio. As far as I know show be 100:1 unless it's an Autolube model. You could also try renewing the coil/HT leads to to see if that improves things, although not cheap to replace all three - and then you've to source suitable second-hand parts. You could try replacing one and try starting it and replace each coil and HT lead in sequence.
Yamaha outboard motor HT coil 20-90HP (later type) Used | eBay

Is it manual start and what's the year?

Thanks Spartacus, plugs seem ok no excessive fouling (but then it runs well when started) the fuel ratio is 100/1 used Shell 2T Advance, the motor is 1989, and it is Manual start.
What about Iridium Plugs seems that some say they are better, some say "normal" Copper ones foul less?

[lockieboi]

Originally Posted by IRW

Thanks Spartacus, plugs seem ok no excessive fouling (but then it runs well when started) the fuel ratio is 100/1 used Shell 2T Advance, the motor is 1989, and it is Manual start.
What about Iridium Plugs seems that some say they are better, some say "normal" Copper ones foul less?

Is that motorbike oil?
I may be wrong but I'm sure I've heard that you shouldn't use that if it is.

[IRW]

Originally Posted by lockieboi

Is that motorbike oil?
I may be wrong but I'm sure I've heard that you shouldn't use that if it is.

Hum, yes it is 2 stroke motorcycle oil???

[lockieboi]

Originally Posted by IRW

Hum, yes it is 2 stroke motorcycle oil???

Pretty sure that's bad but hopefully someone can give us a definite answer.

[spartacus]

I've always used NGK plugs. Never had an issue with them.

Regards oil, any marine-grade TC-W3 compatible oil will do, but you can't go wrong with Yamlube or Quicksilver. The stuff you've already mixed up - use for a bonfire or in your lawnmower. Pretty sure there's a fuel-bowl on the outboard side, check and clean this too while you're at it.