Choke setting

[produceguy]

Hey guys, I rebuilt my carb and started her up and it seems to have issues staying running. If I play with the choke a little I can keep her running. I did not mess with any of the idle screw or mixture screws so I think the choke needs to be reset. Do I bend the linkage to set it were I want it?
It is a 4.3 Mercruiser 4 bbl Rochester carb with a manual choke. It has the coil mounted to the manifold with linkag to the choke. Hope that make sense.
Thanks guys for any help. I cannot find anything on how to adjust it.

 

[Rick Stephens]

Sounds like one of the idle ports is plugged still. And if you rebuild the carb you gotta reset the idle mixture and idle speed screws. The idle mixture screws pretty much have to come out to make sure the ports are clean. Then softly seat them and back them back out 2 turns. Once you get the engine running smooth and at temperature, then adjust them to best RPM. Idle speed you must set in the water with a decent tach if your boat tach isn't accurate enough - mine isn't - many aren't.

 

[produceguy]

Thanks Rick. I pulled it apart again and pulled the adjustment screws. I will pick up some more carb cleaner and start cleaning some more.
Now back to the choke. I pulled the coil on the manifold and turned it one turn to tighten it up. Before the choke would not even close. So when I install the carb hopefully that will at least close the choke. Am I thinking right here or should I put it back how it was?

 

[bruceb58]

Choke should be almost closed when it is cold. Doesn't have to be all the way closed.

Adjusting the choke should just be in the ballpark now until you get it running properly when warm.

 

[Scott Danforth]

with the carb apart, make sure that carb cleaner can pass thru each and every port on the inside. I generally poke a small piece of copper wire thru each port to make sure they are clear.

 

[harleyman1975]

I don't like the wind it up tighter idea. either get a new choke stat or convert to electric. I agree that you missed something when cleaning your carb. Carbs are not a do it yourself anybody can do it sort of thing. Folks go to school to learn how to work on carburators.

 

[produceguy]

Thanks guys. Harleyman, it's not rocket science brother but I like to do my own work and learn new things. Nobody needs that their book learning stuff. Just kidding. People would be amazed at what they can do if they just try.