Vapor Lock or Choke Sticking??? 4.3 Merc

klaus96

Cadet
Joined
Jun 6, 2011
Messages
7
89 Baja 190 Islander 4.3LX Alpha one....I have been trying to solve my "vapor lock" problem for a little bit and noticed something last weekend. I had been parked after running for a while so I had propped open the motor housing cover 6 inches or so while sitting. I went to leave and sure enough, crank crank crank...no start. Got nervous I would flood and be stranded so I removed the flame arrestor to look at carb. The choke butterfly was completely closed. I opened it and the motor started right up. Any thoughts?
 

mkast

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Nov 6, 2002
Messages
1,934
Re: Vapor Lock or Choke Sticking??? 4.3 Merc

Do you know the operation of an engine utilizing a choke?
 

dubs283

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jul 27, 2005
Messages
5,343
Re: Vapor Lock or Choke Sticking??? 4.3 Merc

The choke butterfly was completely closed. I opened it and the motor started right up. Any thoughts?

yep

figure out why the choke isn't opening

is it electric or mechanical??
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,357
Re: Vapor Lock or Choke Sticking??? 4.3 Merc

89 Baja 190 Islander 4.3LX Alpha one....I have been trying to solve my "vapor lock" problem for a little bit and noticed something last weekend. I had been parked after running for a while so I had propped open the motor housing cover 6 inches or so while sitting. I went to leave and sure enough, crank crank crank...no start. Got nervous I would flood and be stranded so I removed the flame arrestor to look at carb. The choke butterfly was completely closed. I opened it and the motor started right up. Any thoughts?

Ayuh,... Which carb is on it,..??
 

klaus96

Cadet
Joined
Jun 6, 2011
Messages
7
Re: Vapor Lock or Choke Sticking??? 4.3 Merc

Still in shop. Shift bellows tore last week. I'll post back when I get it home and get the specs. I'll look at linkages also.
 

90stingray

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Oct 26, 2010
Messages
1,162
Re: Vapor Lock or Choke Sticking??? 4.3 Merc

I just wired mine open to avoid any issues. I never need the choke since its always 70 degrees plus when I go boating. Goodluck!
 

klaus96

Cadet
Joined
Jun 6, 2011
Messages
7
Re: Vapor Lock or Choke Sticking??? 4.3 Merc

Someone else told me to do that. Maybe I'll give it a shot. I only go when its warm too.
 

mtbr00x

Seaman
Joined
Jun 5, 2007
Messages
68
Re: Vapor Lock or Choke Sticking??? 4.3 Merc

I have the same problem, Mine starts up great every time I go out but if I stop and go for a swim or go to the gas dock I have a helluva time getting it started again. This only happens when the engine is warm. I have a electric choke. Someone told me my fuel is leaking down. What I have is a ford 460 with 2 holley 600's. Do ya'll think the bowls are leaking fuel or could this be a choke issue. Only one of the carbs has a choke and it does need the choke to start cold.
 
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