Choke question

[Jswingle13]

I have a 89 4.3 mercruiser...starts rough and doesn't want to idle unless I manually open the choke. Once I hit operating temp it seems to stay open and runs and idles great. Are there any adjustments I can make to the choke to keep it from sticking closed when its cold and doesn't need the choke anymore? As mentioned it seems free once it hits operating so I don't suspect its gummed up or anything. Electrical contact to the choke seems good, but is there anything I should check on that? Thanks for any input!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Choke question

Ayuh,... The electric choke is adjusted by loosenin' the little screws 'round the black plastic piece, 'n rotating it abit, whichever way ya gotta go, then tighten the screws...

 

[Don S]

Re: Choke question

What carb do you have? Is it electric choke?

 

[Jswingle13]

Re: Choke question

What carb do you have? Is it electric choke?

I'm pretty sure its the mercarb with electric choke.

 

[Don S]

Re: Choke question

The Mercarb (2bbl) is electric choke, the QuadraJet (4bbl) used manifold heat.

Here is a picture from the manual. Normally the specs have the choke way too tight.
With the engine off and the choke coil cold (over night or several hours), open the throttle to about 1/4 or less. Then turn the choke coil CCW to open the choke plate, then turn it the opposite direction (CW) to JUST close the choke plate. Tighten down the 3 screws and you should be good to go.

 

[Jswingle13]

Re: Choke question

Thank You!