Have you checked you choke solenoid?

Mick

"kozmo6969" wrote in message
m...
i have a 115 merc inline 6 1979. runs great, but starts hard when
cold. once its running, it will restart pretty easy. but when i first
try, it cranks and starts hard. it will start with starting fluid. is
there any special thing to do to start easier.? i pump the fuel ball
up till hard, and choke it, but still need starting fluid to start.
any sugestions??? thanks.