Turnkey retrofit Carb for Merc 3.0

I just discovered that new Mercruiser 3.0L engines are shipped with a new "Turnkey" carb. Does anyone know if it's possible to get one of these new carbs for a 97 3.0 engine?

Re: Turnkey retrofit Carb for Merc 3.0

The systems are available as retrofit kits from Merc. From my understanding it's more than a carb swap. But I'm sure one of the pros will be by to chime in. BTW welcome to the board.

Re: Turnkey retrofit Carb for Merc 3.0

They do make a kit, or they did............. As I recall, they were around $1000. And yes, there is more to it than just something you add to the carb. There is a completely different carb, different wiring harness, sensors, etc.
If I remember, I'll look it up tomorrow.

Re: Turnkey retrofit Carb for Merc 3.0

Thanks guys, it's nice to know there is a place online where boaters can turn to share advice and seek help.
Thanks Don, anything you can find would be great! My 3.0 doesn't like to start, it has an electric choke but god knows if it actually does anything. At this point, I'm willing to replace the entire carb.

Re: Turnkey retrofit Carb for Merc 3.0

IMHP if you get it serviced and the choke works it will start just fine

Tommays

Re: Turnkey retrofit Carb for Merc 3.0

Easy enough to check. Pull the flame arrestor, move the throttle lever forward and see if the choke plate pops closed. If it does it's working. If it doesn't its not. Make the check on a stone-cold engine. Not when its warm.

Re: Turnkey retrofit Carb for Merc 3.0

What is a "Turnkey" carb. and what makes it different from any other carb.?

Re: Turnkey retrofit Carb for Merc 3.0

If you are referring to TKS or "turn key starting" save your money! I have this feature on my '05 4.3. Near as I can tell the only thing different is a more expensive carb. I do not have cold starting problems but it is no better than the choke system. I have the TKS service manual (#41)and have followed the starting procedures. I pump one time,leave it in neutral and it starts. The few times it has started without pumping it idles for a few seconds and dies. I am not the only one with this experience and it has been this way since new. I have sent a similar message to Mercruiser and got the usual BS about reading my op guide and seeing my dealer. I don't think it works as well as intended.

Re: Turnkey retrofit Carb for Merc 3.0

The "Turn Key Starting" system, aka TKS is nothing more than an attempt to intall an enrichment valve similar to that used on an outboard, and use sensors in the cooling system, a special carb, etc. so that it will start similar to an EFI engine. Fact is, it doesn't work as planned.
Also, can't find a retrofit kits either.
For Flying Dutchman, if you have your engine tuned properl, the choke works, and the carb mixture is adjusted correctly, it will start easily.
What exactly is the process you use to start a cold engine? Hopefully it's not turn the key like you do your car, if that is is, you just need to learn how to start a carbed engine.