Starting problems/rough idle

[smokeymtndaddy]

Hi, I need a little help please. I have a 1989 Sea Ray 180 with a 3.0L Mercruiser Alpha1 Carbed of course! I was reading some threads on cold starts and even warm ones and learned alot!! I didn't know about pumping the throttle in neutral (knew how to but not to start) and didn't know to leave it about 1/3 throttle to start! But when changing my engine oil i noticed my choke has been tied open full time? Why? Should I let it go and then see if it opens when I pump full in neutral? Thanks going out this weekend!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Starting problems/rough idle

i noticed my choke has been tied open full time? Why? Should I let it go?

Ayuh,... It's an issue that Should be addressed,... Your life will probably be Much Easier if you do Fix it...

 

[smokeymtndaddy]

Re: Starting problems/rough idle

What if i do not hear it (or see it) does it have a fuse or what controls it? Thanks for the reply!!!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Starting problems/rough idle

The choke is either electrically controlled or it is operated by heated air from a "choke stove" (yes -- it doesn't even look like a stove). On the side of the carb is a round device about the diameter of a tea cup. If it has an electrical connection on it, that wire heats a coil inside the choke mechanism. If that device has a metal tube going to it, it pulls manifold heat into the choke mechanism to operate the choke. Now then -- on a stone cold engine with the throttle partly open, the choke plate should just close. As the engine warms, the plate will slowly open until it stands perfectly vertical. If it doesn't work (and it probably doesn't since it's tied open), the choke and its linkage needs to be checked, repaired, and adjusted as necessary.