Takes a while to start

Even with the new battery, she takes a little while to start. It is not surprising the old battery couldn't cope. When I say a while, I only mean 3 or 4 seconds!! Just for context, but it feels long compared to a fresh warm start.

Again for purposes of documentation, she fires immediately, just ever so briefly and then stops again - with the new battery she's OK to keep the starter whirring - does about 4 more full cycles then fires into life properly and when she does, runs like a dream.

Due to the immediate small firing then nothing, it feels like and initial lack of fuel. Best guess, residual vapour in the cylinder for a first short sharp burn, then has to pull fuel through to start again. Then runs no problem.

If that is true, then it would imply that the float bowl is draining down AND the fuel is dropping back in the fuel line. So I need to check it out. With the new battery it is not a problem and she is running REALLY nice once going. But there is still a niggly problem there.

Next morning start will turn the engine over WITHOUT ignition for 4 or 5 cycles. Then try to start normally. If she fires up immediately after that, then I think I can be sure, because it will imply that the initial cranking will have re-primed the fuel line and filled the bowl. (i.e. no other electrical stuff going on)

If not ... who knows!!!