2012 3.0 mercruiser with a TKS carb

[Salacia]

Hi Folks

I have an issue with the starting and idle when my 3.0 is warm. From cold it's not the greatest but none of my previous ones have been either so I think that's just the way they are, however when she is warm it is hellish to start and need loads of revs it then stumbles and splutters until it goes into gear and it runs fine.
I haven't looked at it this year as I didn't want to lose any of the season but it's coming home at the weekend so I thought I would take a look, does anyone have any thoughts as to where to start trouble shooting?

Thanks

Rob

 

[alldodge]

Fuel filter, fuel pressure and then the carb.

Most the time it is the carb

 

[Mule Laker]

Geez, our 3.0 TKS starts and idles awesome from cold. When hot it does idle a bit low upon initial start. I believe it's a bit rich.

 

[Salacia]

Thanks All Dodge,

I assume you are talking about the filter that is in the inlet to the carb?

Is there a way to test the fuel pressure or just pull the pipe and see what pressure I have?

Also is there anything I should be looking for in the carb apart for the obvious blocked jets etc.?

Thanks

Rob

 

[Fun Times]

I'll say that the best way to get to know this carb is to look up online service manual number 41 (boatinfo.com) and have a good read through the manual before digging to far into the carb completely as with issues like you both described above, it could just be that the air/fuel mixture needs to be adjusted out from the horrible EPA mandated specs to the electro thermal valve (< TKS Module) might not be getting fully extended shutting off the fuel enrichment at the correct engine temps possibly due to a bad TKS Module or engine thermostat, bad fuel or fuel filter/s to internal carb cleaning or full on rebuild.
Make sure your spark plugs are not fuel fouled either.

You both will need/want to buy an idle mixture adjusting tool Merc part number 866201.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odk...TR0.TRC0.H0.X866201.TRS0&_nkw=866201&_sacat=0

The newer 3.0 fuel filters are item numbers 29, 35-53336Q --STRAINER $8.00 found on the carb, http://www.iboats.com/Carburetor/dm/cart_id.812495366--session_id.589500409--view_id.1681965

And # 22, 35-8M0046751 FILTER KIT, Mercury Branded Package $9.17.. OR .. 35-8M0046752 FILTER KIT, Quicksilver Branded Package 803897Q1 $9.17 found at/inside the lower part of the fuel pump assembly, http://www.iboats.com/Fuel-Supply-System/dm/cart_id.812495366--session_id.589500409--view_id.1681969

How does TKS work (technically)? Page: 1 - iboats Boating ...

 

[Salacia]

Thanks Fun Time that's great information I can't seem to buy the adjustment tool in the UK so will have to buy one from the US and get it posted.

Interestingly having read some of the thread I am pretty sure when I was using the boat whilst on holiday I could hear a whistling noise after a very long run which might suggest the TKS was still engaged!!

I will let you know how I get on.