'71 80hp electric choke issues

[Huron Angler]

The electric choke on my Merc 800 no longer works.

If I choke it by hand with the cowling off...the pin slides with some force but it's clearly not as smooth as it needs to be for the remote control to slide it.

This works to get it started but is a bit of a hassle.

Does it need to be taken apart, cleaned and greased maybe?

The electric choke has worked for the last 9 months that I've owned the rig.

Any ideas on how to remedy this, or what caused it are welcome

 

[usskydvr]

Re: '71 80hp electric choke issues

The manual choke pin is normally a bit stiff. If you remove the wrap around and examine choke linkage you will see that the design allows for somewhat independant actions betwen the manual pin and the solenoid actuator. Put a meter on the terminal of the solenoid and ground. When you push the choke button on the contols ( the ignition switch must be on) it should read 12v. or
With the engine off you can test the solenoid by applying 12v to the terminal. It should suck in the metal cylinder that has a wire going to the linkage. If it doesn't the solenoid is bad (very rare). More likely it will work which tells you there is a wiring or choke switch issue.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: '71 80hp electric choke issues

Thanks for the info, I've got a multimeter and will see what I'm working with as far as volts. It could very well be a loose wire, shouldn't be too difficult to find with the meter if it is electrical.

I thought it would've been a mechanical problem since i was so stiff(but I'm clearly not a marine mechanic).

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: '71 80hp electric choke issues

Well I found that the problem was actually the power pack plug-in not being plugged in all the way. The starter was still getting power but the pin for the choke was not making a connection.

Push it in tightly and it works like a charm. I thought it was something simple since it has always worked before.

I see what you eant about the independant operation of the manual/electric choke also. I'm glad that I'm starting to learn more about this Merc...just need to get the carbs done and new plugs and she should be close to 100%.

Thanks again