So my neighbor has this coolster that is actually someone elses but they don't have space so she holds it for them and we get to use it when we want. I've become the mechanic. It starts and runs but every time I go to start it, it usually takes a few cranks and maybe a little gas to get it started. Am I expecting too much from a Chinese atv. Or should I be able to get it to start better?

 

Is the choke working properly? Other common cause of poor starting is low compression. If the choke is OK, test compression and, if below 90psi check and adjust valve clearances. If that doesn't fetch compression up it is time for a top end rebuild.

 

I never use the choke, not even sure if there is one. Should I be using it every time?

 

If it doesn't start easily without choke, then yes. Lots of small ATVs have automatic chokes though, so if they don't work, it can be a problem. These are excess fuel devices and the default is to give excess fuel, so they normally fail on-choke, but I have known them to come apart inside and stop the excess fuel part working.