2006 Tahoe 190 4.3 engine

busdriver

Recruit
Joined
Apr 20, 2009
Messages
4
Have my boat with the mechanic. I am having problems with running a cold engine and keeping it running when putting it into gear. My mechanic says I need a carburetor rebuild kit or to change out the carburetor with one with an electronic choke. He states even after rebuilding the carb I will probably still have the cold start issue. Any thoughts?
 

Bt Doctur

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Aug 29, 2004
Messages
19,459
Most choke stoves work like sh!t and most are converted to electric chokes..Most times you can wire the choke full open ,pump the throttle while starting and keeping it running for about 2 minutes and your good to go. Is this a standard carb or a TKS one
 

alldodge

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Mar 8, 2009
Messages
43,398
If it runs fine once its warmed up then more then likely its just the TKS module. If it also has some trouble once warmed up then could still be the module but need to investigate a bit more.

The TKS when cold retracts a plunger to allow more fuel. When warmed up the plunger closes off and the carb is leaned out. Tell us more about what you are experiencing?
 

busdriver

Recruit
Joined
Apr 20, 2009
Messages
4
The motor works fine, once it is warmed up, regardless of the water temp. Until the engine warms up, you can't run at more than idle speed. It may take 10-20 minutes to get it warmed up and then the throttle can be pushed full forward. Recently, while trying to trailer the boat, every time I pulled it out of idle, it would die, just like if had just been started up.
My mechanic tells me, that if we go through an overhaul on the carb, the boat will still have hesitation problems. If I go to the electronic choke on a new carb, it would go away.
is the TKS a separate module?
An overhaul of the existing carb will be about $300. A new carb with an electric choke about $700.
 

alldodge

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Mar 8, 2009
Messages
43,398
My mechanic tells me, that if we go through an overhaul on the carb, the boat will still have hesitation problems. If I go to the electronic choke on a new carb, it would go away.

While TKS carbs do have their issues, this statement tells me the mechanic is in name only, and really does not understand the issue. You can take a standard 2 barrel carb with electric choke and it will work fine (note the fine, it will only work fine provided it is setup correctly and there are no other issues).

If their are no other issues with the motor, both a carb with electric choke, OR the TKS carb will run the same. The issue your describing is the motor is running lean when cold, so the TKS module is not getting power or its bad.

In the pic below the wiring shows that once the motor is started power turns on the fuel pump and also supplies power to the module. As the module heats up it closes off the extra fuel. Once the water temp is warmed up, a switch closes and keeps the module closed. Since it always runs lean your module I the issue.

Down to the facts.
Both regular and TKS will work if they are working as designed.,
The "Mechanic" has already proven they either do not understand how the TKS works or they don't want to mess with it. Keeping the TKS means you need to fix it your self (with help from us), or find another mechanic.
Changing to a regular carb may not fix all your issues if their are other issues.

Suggest if you go the route of changing to regular carb, ask the mechanic that "If you change to this carb he guarantees, in writing, that all your issues with cold starting will be fixed". This way, your problem is fixed. My guess is they will not guarantee it


TKS wiring V6 V8.jpg
 

busdriver

Recruit
Joined
Apr 20, 2009
Messages
4
ok, will discuss this with the mechanic tomorrow. Thanks so much for your expertise!
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
51,481
find a new mechanic

AllDodge was indicating it, I simply am telling you.
 
Top