How do I get my 1970's 115 Merc to choke for starting?

[Bob Abbott]

My inline-six Merc 115 from the 1970's runs great, but I have a time starting it. I squeeze the bulb tight and crank it, but it really doesn't choose to start until I pull a plug out and put some fuel into a cylinder... then it pops right off. Is it my method of starting? What needs to work for this engine to get a little gas into it for start-up?

 

[merc850]

Re: How do I get my 1970's 115 Merc to choke for starting?

There's a plate between the clamp screws that explains the starting procedure and the choke button is on the control box above the key switch.

 

[jimg984]

Re: How do I get my 1970's 115 Merc to choke for starting?

make sure choke is working..........dont raise the fast/cold start lever.......... crank with choke and throttle plates closed til it pops..... then raise fast/cold lever and crank... throttle plates left closed helps choke...... hard to flood the engines i have one

 

[Chris1956]

Re: How do I get my 1970's 115 Merc to choke for starting?

Bob, Make sure motor is all the way down(applies only to PTT motors). Pump up primer till hard and then squeeze a bit more, if possible. Now raise cold start lever all the way, and hold choke button while cranking. Motor should fire after 5 sec or so.

 

[jimg984]

Re: How do I get my 1970's 115 Merc to choke for starting?

works better my way leave lever down i can prove it......i know what the books say about cold lever .....try it you will like it

 

[Bob Abbott]

Re: How do I get my 1970's 115 Merc to choke for starting?

Thanks guys for these ideas. I will put them to use. From what you have said I gather my set up is minus something because I have no choke button available, just a hole where it used to be. The gas hose arrangement appears to have been altered too because it goes to a direct hook up at rear of engine rather then a connect/disconnect arrangement at bottom front. I am getting this all up and running for the first time and this how it came to me. Should something I have said change what you'd like to say please respond again - I sure do appreciate it

 

[arsenalpsu]

Re: How do I get my 1970's 115 Merc to choke for starting?

Do you hear any noises if you press the key in? On most new boats the choke button is part of the key/switch set up

 

[Chris1956]

Re: How do I get my 1970's 115 Merc to choke for starting?

Bob, You do need an electric shoke on that motor. If the keyswitch doesn't activate the choke (when pushed in), you will need to replace the choke button.

jimg984, When the cold start is raised the throttle plates open a bit. This allows more air to be drawn in to the manifold, except that the choke plate restricts the air. What you have is greater choking because of the throttle opening, than with the lever down.
Physics doesn't bear out your experience.

 

[jimg984]

Re: How do I get my 1970's 115 Merc to choke for starting?

try it chris it works!! just leave trottle closed for extra choking till the engine pops,,, the raise lever/opens trottle plates like you say,,,,,,,,,, it will start (of course will be choking at same time} i love proven Physics that works

 

[Bob Abbott]

Re: How do I get my 1970's 115 Merc to choke for starting?

Thanks for your follow up fellas. I can now be clearer in explaining my problem. My key switch is not where it normally would be and it only cranks the motor, i.e. there is NO push in with key for choking. Seems I need to set up an electric choke arrangement, so my question is to where on the motor do I look to run my wires?

 

[jimg984]

Re: How do I get my 1970's 115 Merc to choke for starting?

above the top carb should be a elect soloind with plastic bars that work the choke butterfly plates. my 1978 115 only has butterfly plates in the top two carbs...........would work better if mercury engs. had put choke plate in bottom carb also.. feed hot wire thru a push button switch and connect to the soloind.. good luck they are great engines if not work out from improper use