Hard starting and low idel rough

scout568

Cadet
Joined
Aug 21, 2012
Messages
21
Hey guys new to the forum and new to boating. I bought a 87 Baretta with a Mercrusier 175hp V6. the boat seems to run fine once you get up and going, heres the problem. When I luanch the boat it takes me a while to get it running, it turns over fine but I have to run the throttel up to keep it going till it warms up well. once I get it running and im putting around the no wake, it idels rough like almost dies then revs up then back down, then back up and down and so fourth. once i crank it up it runs just fine its just at idel spped and starting where i have the issue. it has a newer coil, distributor, wire and plugs. Any thoughts? Thanks
 

harleyman1975

Ensign
Joined
May 12, 2003
Messages
959
Re: Hard starting and low idel rough

Sounds like an open choke and a dirty carb. I believe that runs a variant of a 2GC Rodchester. If you take the top off the carb there are two little tubes that are made if brass and they plug up. here is how to clean them peel the paper off of a twist tie and try to run it through them and make sure the little holes along the tube are open too. that should help the rough idle as for the hard start make sure the choke is closing when you go to start it cold. if it isn't then you need a new choke stat.
 

scout568

Cadet
Joined
Aug 21, 2012
Messages
21
Re: Hard starting and low idel rough

RGR that will give it a shot. its kinda of a pain sitting at the dock trying to get your boat to fire up and you have to rev it up and everyone is looking at you funny. thanks
 

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: Hard starting and low idel rough

Have you checked the water separating fuel filter for water? You could very easily need a carb rebuild. Choke not working, idle circuit plugged up etc.
 

ktbarrentine

Lieutenant
Joined
Dec 12, 2011
Messages
1,296
Re: Hard starting and low idel rough

I'll add one more easter egg.... check for bad fuel pump diaphragm.
 

scout568

Cadet
Joined
Aug 21, 2012
Messages
21
Re: Hard starting and low idel rough

ok so I took the cover off and the air filter. I watched the chke reset to close after moving the throttel all the way up. I started the motor and the choke stayed closed wich was good then it slowy started to open and i think it opened to fast to the open positionand the engine died. so tried it again and couldn't get the choke to reset to close. So i started it up and ran over to it and kinda held it half closed till it warmed up enuogh and let go to full open. Could this be the little control on the left side of the carb? dont know what its called butthechoke rod goes into it. Also what is normal operating RPMs for this motor during idle
 
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