Really hard starting 07 GT

[Cubby]

My 07 GT is very hard to start this year. It will crank forever and seem like it catches, the headlights will turn on for a fraction of a second and it repeats. It takes 10 - 15 time cranking it for 10 seconds before it will finally catch. Once its warmed up no issues for the rest of the day. The battery spins the started 300+ rpm.

Here are the details:
07 GT
i have the cold start and ground wire update (all updates have been done)
0w40 full synthetic Yamalube
new plugs 2 years ago (200 kms on them)
new Yuasa YTX-14H battery 2 days ago
fresh 91 octane gas
Updated solid state fuel pump relay
new starter 2 years ago (200 kms on it)
10,000 kms on the odometer
always stored in unheated garage.
engine is fogged in spring
i've only had it running 3 times so far this season.

I got it started yesterday after about a minute total cranking (about 12 times). It was -2C. Today I tried this morning and although better it still took 6 times cranking for 10 seconds each time. It wanted to start but took forever to catch.

In comparison my 2015 Skidoo 900 ace is a dream to start and have never had a issue with it starting ever.

Any suggestions on getting this thing to start. It used to start no issues in -30C weather but now I dont even trust it when its 0C.

 

[nhsrx701]

Well... this is just my opinion... cover the basics.. siphon out all the old gas... easy way... just buy some vinyl hose.. buy a long section and so you can watch the fuel and avoid drinking it. The hose is going to want to coil up.. take a metal coat hanger, cut it, straighten it out and insert it into the vinyl hose.. now the hose will stay straight and at the bottom of the tank.. replace the fuel with 87 octane.. these sled are fine with it.. and retest on a cold night..

as the hose.. remove the coat hander.. coil it up, coil up the vinyl hose and place them in the back of the sled.... now you are set up.. incase you need a siphon hose in the woods..

also.. cycle the key twice.. before trying to start it.. if for some reason, if your fuel pressure is bleeding off.. you will have extended cranks on a cold start without an initial key cycle..

At 10k (Kilometers) aka 6000.00 miles you shouldn't need to check the valve shims... but.. if the sled has spent most of its life with the throttle wide open.. wouldn't hurt to check your valve clearance. Tight valves = hard starts

 

[Tod]

check your valve clearance. Tight valves = hard start—— this what I was thinking—-