I recently bought a 2010 prodrive 36hp. It is completely stock and only had 50 hours. It seems to run great but whenever you to to start it you have to turn the throttle handle to give it more gas or it won't start. Once started you can back off and just let it idle. I read the Briggs manual and the starting process is 1. open fuel cut off (equipped)- I take this to mean prime the line, 2. move control to CHOKE, then 3. Move Throttle to FAST. This seems to indicate that it is normal to have to give the throttle a turn to get it started and that this is not an indication of a problem. Otherwise, the engine seems to run fine other than a low idle issue with the clutch engaged. Does everyone else have to give theirs some gas or is this an issue with fuel constriction? Any advice/opinions welcomed. I read a lot of posts where people's engines seem to lose power or die once they get going with fuel related problems and mine doesn't seem to do that.

Its fine. To start a stock motor, choke it, and hold the throttle wide open.

Perfectly normal.

Maybe its a vertical thing....But both of my PD's have been that way stock, and my cousin's as well.

I've had to do it on mine a time or two, not an issue...as long as it starts

I give my throttle a couple twists and then it fires right up. Has always been that way on the first crank of the day or if it sits for a few hours.

same here. It cranks much better with a little throttle twist, fires right up. It will crank without the throttle twist, but it takes a couple extra seconds.

Thanks for the info. It's not like I have to open it up to full throttle - even a quarter turn will start it right up. I feel better knowing a lot of other engines seem to be the same way

Sounds like a prodrive thing. Guess cuz its vertical.

I always have to choke mine when cold, but after the motor is warm it usually fires right up. I just figured this was normal...?

Huh, I don't even have to choke mine when its cold. Must be the peanut oil I'm using.

A Lil choke and throttle when first cranking up, after that it starts faster than my Toyota.

I had to give mine a little gas to start it when it was stock.

Ditto. Cold motor likes a little throttle to start.

I have had to give a little throttle when cranking more with the CDI engine. If this is a 2010 it is also a CDI.

The stock carb has a choke, and as the name implies it chokes off the air supply to the motor, so yes you should have to advance the throttle sightly in order for it to start up (on cold starts that is) when the choke is knob is pulled.


For the guys that upgraded to a Mikuni, it has an accelerator pump for better throttle responce, but when you go to start the motor all you do is advance the throttle 2-3 times (so the accelerator pump squirts some gas into the intake) thus the motor starts up instantly.

in laymans terms a carb is vacuum operated. when u start the turning over of the engine it starts building up crankcase pressure and vacuum. when u open the throttle plate.the vacuum increases in the chamber and that is what pulls the fuel from the carb bowl. into the intake. like said above a good tune up. and a good seal of valves and piston rings is also required. and a good [ highly over looked ] breather is also important.

From a cold start it likes a little throttle and choke. Once it is warmed up you still have to give it a little throttle. If you give it a little throttle once it is warm it catches right away and you barely have to crank it.

thats that extra 1 HP making it the 36hp trying to fire off lmao

What is ur idle Rpms? Have u adjusted ur idle circuit?

Idle is about 950 rpm without clutch engaged. I am just starting to go through the engine. I am beginning with the basics as I bought it used. Changing oil, plugs, fuel/air filters, etc. The engine does have a little problem where when in idle it will putter out after a few seconds when you engage the clutch to engage the prop when in the water. You give it a little throttle and it is fine. I do think I have an air leak in the fuel line as there is a noticeable difference depending on which fuel tank you use in the front. I have ordered new fuel line and once it comes will be changing it all out and getting rid of the quick connects.