I have the same engine in my C-172F. If the engine is hot, why are you
priming? You only need to do that the first thing, sometimes. When hot
the only thing I do is hit the fuel pump to bring up the pressure, turn
it off, then crank. If it doens't catch right away, I will pump the
throttle once while cranking. I generrally start quickly every time.
Now, when I do flood it; mixture cut-off and thottle full open and crank
til start. Then mixture full rich and throttle 1/4" set.

Ross

Hankal wrote:

My 1973 Skyhawk has the 360/180 hp engine carburated.
When the engine is hot it is difficult to start.
My procedure is master switch battery side on, fuel pump on. Prime throttle 3
times. Fuel pump off, turn starter while advancing the throttle.
Today she would not fire and the battery went south.

Any recommendations, suggestions.
Will check timing and Magnetos tomorrow.
Hank N1441P