Mercruiser 170 Choke & Ignition Voltage Problem

TBB

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Jul 24, 2008
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I recently replaced the breaker points and coil on my Mercruiser 170 with a Pertronix Ignitor and Flamethrower coil. In the process of circumventing the ballast resistor for the old coil, I discovered that the electric carburetor choke is robbing the ignition system of voltage.

The ignition wire from the key switch only shows 9 volts with the key switch on. However, if I remove the ignition wire connection to the electric choke, the voltage pops right up to 12 volts. Both the dash voltmeter and a hand-held meter confirm this.

Is this normal? What is the likely culprit and fix?

1986 Searay Seville / 170 3.7L Mercruiser
 
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