[Bozo]

If I use the electric choke at the helm, the motor is extremely hard to cold start. However, if I use the manual choke on the front of the motor, it will kick off and start right away.I have taken the cowling off and ensured that the electric choke is working to the best of my ability. The solenoid is affixed to the air intake cover so I can't actually see that the butterflies are closing but, the actuator arm moves and it is connected to the butterflies so, I can only presume that the it is working properly.Does the manual choke do something other than close the butterflies like advance the timing?Is this common or is this indicative of a problem?

[ddaigle]

The electric choke may not be closing all the way, sometimes they stick or get dirty. It doesnt take a lot of opening of butterflies to ruin the choke effect. Had an old chrysler that did the same thing.

[jim dozier]

Pull off the airbox that covers the carb throats and verify that the choke butterflies are COMPLETELY closed. The choke has to close all the way to work properly. My guess is that the manual choke is closing properly but for some reason the electric choke is only going partly closed. The eyes on the engine should bug out when you choke it.

[Bozo]

The choke actuator solinoid is mounted to the airbox. If I remove the air box, then I have to disconnect the actuator arm from the butterflies and hence shoot myself in the foot on what I am trying to accomplish.I am sorry if I am not being clear on the terms used but, it is the best I can do to describe the situation. The airbox is a solid piece of plastic that mounts directly to the carbs. It isn't like Evinrude motors that have an airbox cover plate that would allow you to view the butterflies while the main airbox assembly remains affixed to the carbs.However, you are probably correct in the fact that maybe the butterflies aren't closing all the way for some reason.

[ddaigle]

When you use the manual choke if you can see the linkage move, compare it to the movement of the electric choke. One may move farther than the other. If you can see the linkages, I dont really know. try cleaning and lubricating anything you can reach related to this. Also, check electrical connections for corrosion etc.

[rodbolt]

hello the choke on that motor has an adjustable solinoid. you may wish to raise the bracket slightly there is also some problems with the starter will draw more than the old cables can supply and the choke solinoid loses out.if the4 adjustment does not work test the voltage drop on the cables. good luck and keep posting

[Bozo]

Thanks for all the info guys. I'll give them all a look see.Worst case scenario is that I have to continue to walk the 8 feet back to the motor prior to cranking it up. (if that was my only problem in life I'd be set.)