Spraying ether to start

[Orlando]

seen some stuff at west marine last time i went was designed for 2-cycle outboards. cant remember the name at the moment, will look when i go again. but i agree, if you have to spray starting fluid in it to get her going theres a problem, i keep a can of ether in the boat just in case on the water. low compression can cause starting difficulties, but once the pistons warm up they expand and get a better seal so it can run right warm, but might be a beast to start cold. ether burns hotter so warms it up quick. there are probably other things that cause it, just speaking from my own engine experience.