Sticking Choke

[jimbo3123]

The automatic choke on my mercruiser 233 (Ford 351W) sticks open when the engine is cold.

I can get it to fall back closed by wiggling the throttle linkage on the carb, but It always re-sticks open when I throttle-up from the helm. (like when I try to give it some gas for starting).
I'd like to be able to start the engine cold without having to open up the engine compartment and fiddle with the carb.

I tried adjusting the idle screw and the bracket that holds it, but I haven't had much luck. I was looking into the rebuild kits, but it doesn't look like those include the idle screw or its cam (Am I wrong here?).

Obviously the choke worked properly at one time. Can someone please help me to understand what's causing the problem and how I can fix it?

 

[Don S]

Re: Sticking Choke

Cam and idle screws do not come in a rebuild kit, besides, that isn't the problem.
When cold, the choke will stay open till you give it some throttle, then the spring in the choke should close the choke. If not, you may need to readjust the choke cover, or replace it if defective.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Sticking Choke

If its the Holley 4bbl the choke linkage can bind just a bit where it comes up from the choke through the hole to the choke butterfly.
I just had a new out of the box Holley doing the same thing.
A slight tweak of the linkage arm solved the problem.
Kinda hard to explain but get a light and look straight down that linkage arm and see if it is touching anywhere when it travels up and down.