Yanmar 45 hp marine engine, hot or cold, has to be cranked over around 4 to 6 times before it will start and run, Using pre heat, from cold.
Also after priming. My own experience in the past, on car engines this would indicate low compression. The engine hot does not breath thru the rocker cover or dip stick tube.
Any advice would be gratefully accepted.
Regards
Thank you.
Tom