2002 Mercury 90 won't start

[adobe wall]

2002 Mercury 90 two stroke, will turn over but won't start. Plugs are oily, changing them didn't help. I can start the engine w/ether. It will start again after shutting it down until it gets cold.

Any thing I can check out on it before it goes back to the dealership?

tia, aw

[MattPark]

Definitely a fuel issue. Is the choke working correctly? Are your fuel lines in good shape, all clamps tight?

[adobe wall]

when I made the app't the dealer said likely the choke isn't working.. I'd have to agree.

I'm not getting any sound when I push in the key (choke) that indicates the choke is coming on. Tried the same thing with the cowl cover off, nothing happening when I push in the key.

Yep, checked the fuel lines first, all are sound.

If it's nothing more than changing an ignition switch or a solenoid I could do that, it would be better than missing a week and a half of fishing.

thanks, aw