LT80 first time starting problems but starts and runs perfect after that
 

Hi Guys, I know there has been a lot of threads about starting issues, but though id ask as i cant see my problem specifically mentioned. I have an LT80 which until very recently started and ran perfectly. Out of the blue it has become hard to start only when starting on the first start after sitting for a number of hours or over night etc. The only way i can get it to start is thumb on the throttle and turn over for about 15 seconds roughly ,sometimes longer. Once its started it will run perfectly, idle great etc and start on first push of the button even before its has a chance to warm up. Its just that first initial start there seems to be a problem with. The petcock is i think on, pri, reserve, seems to be working ok when i pull the hose off it, fuel pouring out or dripping to a stop
Im not very mechanically minded but will give it a go.
I changed the plug btw, buts thats all.

Where should i start first.

Thanks

Choke could be out of adjustment or failing or you could have a small leak in fuel bowl and its taking a min for the bowl to fill up after you turn fuel back on.

I'd check the compression. I bet it's low. It should be 90- minimum. You can rent a comp tester at autozone.

Will try to get hold of a compression tester. I did notice today that it seems to make next to no difference if the choke is on of off when idleing. I could be wrong but i think previously i remember if i pulled the choke on when it was idleing it tried to die out / stall. Its the wee boys quad so im taking his word for that.
Now however is doesnt seem to make any difference at all. Does this mean anything?

You'll know if the choke circuit is working if you use it when the machine is warmed up...it should sputter and die...if it doesn't then it's clogged and not providing the additional fuel needed for a cold start...but I'd also check the compression as LT80 suggested...cold...throttle wide open...

i would say choke if its not making any diff open or closed

If it's dripping, it could be flooding. This is why I add a in line stop valve.

Petcocks fail just like anything else...they wear out...the LT80 is an old machine...guessing the petcock is old too. Just replaced my Scrambler's...it too was flowing fuel when closed...problem with the LT80 is that the float in the carb does a terrible job of stopping the fuel so the motor often gets flooded if the fuel is left on or the petcock is leaking...