Definitive Procedure to Adjust Elec Choke Merc 3.0 140

Jacalore

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I've read thirty different variations on this, can anyone vouch for the correct procedure to set up the electric choke on a MerCruiser 3.0L 140? I'm struggling getting mine set correctly. Thanks!
 

Bt Doctur

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Re: Definitive Procedure to Adjust Elec Choke Merc 3.0 140

when cold, adjust to closed position with a 1/8 drill bit used as a spacer.
 

achris

More fish than mountain goat
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Re: Definitive Procedure to Adjust Elec Choke Merc 3.0 140

Post your engine serial number and I'll post the page out of the OEM manual...
 

Jacalore

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Re: Definitive Procedure to Adjust Elec Choke Merc 3.0 140

6920736
 

achris

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Re: Definitive Procedure to Adjust Elec Choke Merc 3.0 140

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Jacalore

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Re: Definitive Procedure to Adjust Elec Choke Merc 3.0 140

Thanks!
 

Jacalore

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Re: Definitive Procedure to Adjust Elec Choke Merc 3.0 140

If the choke is set cold, (plate closed, or nearly closed) the setting is several notches away from the pointer... does this indicate a problem elsewhere?

Also, how long should it take for that coil to heat up and start opening the plate?

Thanks.
 

ktbarrentine

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Re: Definitive Procedure to Adjust Elec Choke Merc 3.0 140

No prob... just a factor of the tension on the spring (age of choke, metal characteristics, etc). And...you need to make sure it is actually "cold" (ambient temp) when you set it. I usually cycle the adjustment through full travel either way to relax everything before going to final setting. I've been able to change the "notch" position this way and get it closer to the "book" setting (realize...the "book" setting is so called "normal", but isnt true in all cases for all engines due to age and other factors).
Choke should open w/in a few minutes to full open. Remember...you need to "set" the choke before starting, by opening the throttle full (full pump than back to start position).
 

Jacalore

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Re: Definitive Procedure to Adjust Elec Choke Merc 3.0 140

Thank you all!
Muchas gracias!
 

Jacalore

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Re: Definitive Procedure to Adjust Elec Choke Merc 3.0 140

Still experiencing probs. Set the choke, it opens almost immediately when starting. Got it running a few times but can't bring it down to idle speed without stall. What rpm is acceptable for warm-up (w/water Muffs on)? Thanks.
 

Jacalore

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Re: Definitive Procedure to Adjust Elec Choke Merc 3.0 140

Ha! No, I'm running straight out of a fresh 5 gal can of gas.

But, I've got her running, and idling. Key was letting it rest for awhile, then a single pump and back, one OT ran for a few mins I was able to back off to idle and eventually she smoothed out. Took several mins for plate to open, completely. Several off, wait, on cycles started ran smooth - idles around 1300, is that close to norm?
 

Jacalore

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Re: Definitive Procedure to Adjust Elec Choke Merc 3.0 140

Seems to starting ok now, choke performing as it should. Thanks everyone.
Idle is a little rough below 900 rpm, but I'll work on that next time out on the water.
 

achris

More fish than mountain goat
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Re: Definitive Procedure to Adjust Elec Choke Merc 3.0 140

Ha! No, I'm running straight out of a fresh 5 gal can of gas.

But, I've got her running, and idling. Key was letting it rest for awhile, then a single pump and back, one OT ran for a few mins I was able to back off to idle and eventually she smoothed out. Took several mins for plate to open, completely. Several off, wait, on cycles started ran smooth - idles around 1300, is that close to norm?

Idle should be around 800 out of gear.
 

Don S

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Re: Definitive Procedure to Adjust Elec Choke Merc 3.0 140

With a 3.0L, you better get the idle down below 750 rpm in neutral or you will be having a dieseling issue when you try to shut it off. Even 750 van be iffy.
 

Jacalore

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Re: Definitive Procedure to Adjust Elec Choke Merc 3.0 140

Ok, thanks. This has to be done on the water, correct. Carb idle adj and fuel mix? While in gear, idle speed?
 

Don S

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Re: Definitive Procedure to Adjust Elec Choke Merc 3.0 140

No, it can be done on muffs and be very close. If you put it in the water and it needs a little tweaking, go for it. Trust me, with over 25 years of being a boat tech, I didn't take them all to the water to adjust them. Don't even recall a problem unless I did something wrong to begin with, and believe me, I have made my share of mistakes over the years.
 

airshot

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Re: Definitive Procedure to Adjust Elec Choke Merc 3.0 140

Yep...them chokes sometimes have a mind of their own. Followed the manual to a T and still had to fine tune it a bit. The manual got it close, my dog house is easy to remove so each trip out I made small adjustments until I got things just right. These things are mass produced like most other parts and no two are exactly the same so some minor tweeking may be in order. The manual is great for getting things close.
 

Jacalore

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Re: Definitive Procedure to Adjust Elec Choke Merc 3.0 140

Thanks, guys. This forum is amazing!
 
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