Carb question V6-200 (Sportjet175)

[allemann]

I was wondering if anyone has done any DIY tuning/rebuilding on these type carburetors?<br />It has had a number of problems since new, 2003, and visits to 2 Merc dealers during warranty, and another dealer afterwards, got no results. It seemed to me like they were afraid to tackle it, otherwise I would have thought that dealers would be happy to do warranty work.<br />The problems include:<br />1. Very hard to cold start (typically about a dozen crankings to get it firing when cold).<br />2. Hard to warm start (about 3 or 4 crankings).<br />3. No cold idle/choke? (need to jockey the throttle vigorously to keep the thing running when cold).<br />4. Loads up on warm idling/low throttle (won't idle for more than about 30 seconds without stopping).<br />5 Occasional surging at half throttle.<br /><br />One strange note: When I picked up the new unit at the dealer, he told me not to use gas with alcohol (the manual says 10% is OK).<br />I mentioned that I didn't know where to buy no alcohol gas along any interstate, or within 100 miles of my home. Does Merc make fuel system components that are not compatible with ordinary (the only available) gasoline? Unfortunately, the boat was kind of unusual and the dealer was pretty far away, otherwise it would have been there every Monday during the warranty year .<br /><br />Any thoughts?

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Carb question V6-200 (Sportjet175)

Alcohol doesn't mix well with 2-stroke oil and can adversely affect it's ability to lubricate properly.<br /><br />It sounds like operator error or carb issues (if it has carbs). If it's EFI, you're confusing the computer when you start it above idle throttle setting. It will continue to run poorly until you shut off the motor for at least 5 seconds and restart in neutral at idle to reset the computer. Those are hard starting motors and poor idling. That's not at all unusual. The main thing to remember is not to give it any throttle until it starts. If it's carbed, are you pushing the key in to choke? (On an EFI, that has no effect.)

 

[allemann]

Re: Carb question V6-200 (Sportjet175)

It will crank only in the neutral control detent, so there is no starting at increased throttle.<br />Since it is a carburetor engine, there is no EFI.<br />The ignition switch does not have the push to choke function. The engine uses "Turn-Key" starting, which is an electric choke system that only operates at closed throttle, so all you are supposed to do is turn the key. Also, one of the mechanics verified that nothing is connected to the igntion switch on the push-in function.