Choke adjustment

[Merc4ever]

My choke is open when I try to start my boat. Is there any procedure to adjust this? My repair manual doesn't talk about it other than telling me to check the setting.

 

[Merc4ever]

Re: Choke adjustment

BTW it's a 2bbl mercarb.

 

[mkast]

Re: Choke adjustment

My repair manual doesn't talk about it other than telling me to check the setting.

Which manual are you using?

 

[Merc4ever]

Re: Choke adjustment

It's an old Clymer from 1989

 

[mkast]

Re: Choke adjustment

Year and engine, the Mercruiser manual is quite specific.

 

[Merc4ever]

Re: Choke adjustment

1989 V6

 

[mkast]

Re: Choke adjustment

The scribe mark on the choke cover is aligned with the long scribe mark on the choke housing.

 

[Merc4ever]

Re: Choke adjustment

So I'm guessing I simply loosen the 3 screws and turn this until the choke closes then tighten the 3 screws?

 

[Don S]

Re: Choke adjustment

I find that the normal OEM settings are usually too tight and keeps the choke on too long. For normal summertime operation, turning the choke till the choke plate just closes, or maybe just a single notch tighter is all that is really needed.
Just make sure the throttle lever is up about 1/8 throttle to keep tension off the linkage.

 

[bigskiohio]

Re: Choke adjustment

I agree the factory settings to tight. i adjusted mine so it is open just a bit
made for easier starting as it got more air maybee if i used it in cold weater i would have to go by manual but i am warm weather boater.

 

[bigskiohio]

Re: Choke adjustment

Might need replaced too if it is opened fully cold and doesnt work after adjustment.

 

[Merc4ever]

Re: Choke adjustment

OK just finished... I found my choke was set properly and was closed the heater on the choke opens it immeadiatly when the key is turned and it stays open, then it won't start.

I unplugged the heater it stayed partially close fired right up, warmed up and run fine.

Do we need the heater on the choke? Aparently I don't.

 

[mkast]

Re: Choke adjustment

Are you moving the throttle to full forward before starting? This is to set the choke.

 

[Merc4ever]

Re: Choke adjustment

Yes sir, 2 pumps and I keep it forward a little for a faster idle. It goes from fully closed to slightly open when I pump it the first time. Why do they have a heater if you don't need it?

 

[mkast]

Re: Choke adjustment

Why do they have a heater if you don't need it?

There is a spring inside the black cover, as the spring heats up the choke plate opens, as the engine temperature comes up to operating temperature.

 

[bigskiohio]

Re: Choke adjustment

i would say it needs replaced mkast is right, closed then opens as engine warms not right away. i have hot air choke so a little different but same operation. do you adjust it with key on or off?
i would say off but not sure, might need replaced.

 

[Merc4ever]

Re: Choke adjustment

The heater is electric but I think it heats up from the engine enough to open it. It is a new carb from merc it just dont like to be heated too much from the electric because it opens right up and fails to start easilly.

 

[mkast]

Re: Choke adjustment

it just dont like to be heated too much from the electric because it opens right up and fails to start easilly.

The choke told you this?
It needs to be adjusted.

 

[Merc4ever]

Re: Choke adjustment

The choke told you this?
It needs to be adjusted.

LOL, yes I have a talking choke if only it would listen when I tell it to start.

How long should it take to open usually once you turn on the ignition? I think thats when the power comes on for the heater and stays on. When I plug it in its instantly open and it stays that way.

 

[Merc4ever]

Re: Choke adjustment

Update I found that if I connect the wire and adjust the choke back 4 notches toward the prop it works fine plugged in just like its suppose to. I can even watch it slowly open as it warms up. Awesome.

This has been a good learning curve. I needed to learn who to listen to... not my boss, not my wife, not my carb, just good advice from Iboats.

Happy boating everyone