Is my choke working?

[boatgrunt]

94 5.7 Merc Alpha with a 4 barrel

My boat does not start well cold but starts and runs fine after it's warmed up. A while back, some of you suggested that the choke may not be working properly. When I tried to cold start the boat yesterday, I pushed the throttle completely forward and the choke plate almost completely closed (i.e., it was flat/down). I'm not sure if I'm using the right terminology, but is my choke in the correct position at WOT for a cold start? Should it be open and allowing max air flow down into the carb?

Thanks

 

[Don S]

Re: Is my choke working?

Which carb do you have, the QJet or Weber?
Basically, the choke will be closed when cold.
You may also have to pump the throttle a couple of times to get some gas into the engine. Then have the throttle about 1/4 of the way open, not at WOT when starting. Then allow it to run at 1000 to 1200 rpm to warm up a bit before idle.

 

[SuperNova]

Re: Is my choke working?

Second what Don said, with clarification. Most boat engines do not have a high-idle screw....so when cold you should have the throttle opened a little to maintain 1000 rpm or so idle until it warms a little. In other words, even if the choke is working properly, you can't completely neutral the throttle when it's cold. In a car you would just step on the throttle and let off and it would hold a high idle by itself, but not so in a boat.
--
Stan

 

[boatgrunt]

Re: Is my choke working?

I actually think that the carb is a Rochester. Sounds like the choke is working. Guess I just need to be a little bit out of neutral but not quite a WOT. Thanks

 

[SuperNova]

Re: Is my choke working?

While I'm thinking about it---the other thing you want to watch is as soon as it starts, the choke plate should open just a little bit and not stay fully closed.
--
Stan