MerCruiser TKS (Turn Key Starting) How do owners feel about it?

[Pete104]

I just started this thread because of somebody that had a question in common with an older NON-TKS carb!
2 easy ways to determine if you do have it;

#1 From a cold start, simply do nothing but crank the engine. When it starts do nothing but let it warm to temp & your good to go. New boats, this should have been pointed out at delivery.

#2 The flame arrestor cover will/should a decal along with other blah-blah wording that says TKS & under that says Turn Key Start.

This is for 2005 & newer boats. Possibly '04. It was installed on 3.0,4.3,5.0 & 5.7 litre engines. If you have an '83 3.0L & it starts with the "bump" of the key after it's been in storage for 6months, We're happy for you!

I can't say we because I'm not a "mod", but I'm sure they would find the results interesting.

 

[rick3452]

Re: MerCruiser TKS (Turn Key Starting) How do owners feel about it?

I have a 2000 5.0 TKS omo12817 which I purchased this past October 228 hrs. Once I read on this forum on how TKS works it was much easier. I do nothing but turn the key and it starts right away. I have also heard that I'm suppose to hear a "hissing" sound for a few minutes, I have never heard this. Even though it starts right up, sometimes I have to add a few RPM's, otherwise it idles very low. After it warms up I usually restart by giving it 1/4 throttle.
One issue that I seem to be having is, because I live on the Intercoastal where there is NO WAKE allowed and I cruise for hours on end at 1200 rpms, I feel that I'm fouling out the plugs and I do smell unburnt gas, when I do get to add rpms 13/1400 the engine seems to run a little rough. I just changed out the plugs, cap, rotor and wire set. So I'm wondering if a carb rebuild would help. I now have 446 hrs on it.
Thanks...Rick

 

[sumodumy]

Re: MerCruiser TKS (Turn Key Starting) How do owners feel about it?

It (TKS) doesn't work - period!

 

[Pete104]

Re: MerCruiser TKS (Turn Key Starting) How do owners feel about it?

sumodumy, I'm not arguing that-period! I'm just looking for the people that "have it" & how they feel about it. I've had both good & bad experiences (customerwise), and personally have had "a little luck" with complaints(trying to correct) that it generates.

rick3452, I wasn't thinking they went back that far. Is your engine compartment super sound proof? The hissing they make is very prominent until the carb actually takes over with good engine temp. But you definitly want get that carb cleaned.

 

[rick3452]

Re: MerCruiser TKS (Turn Key Starting) How do owners feel about it?

Yes, very quiet set-up, I'm traveling for a few days when I get back I will really try to figure this hissing thing out.
Thanks.

 

[bellhop]

Re: MerCruiser TKS (Turn Key Starting) How do owners feel about it?

Wellllll. I'll comment on this now. I didn't say
anything before because I live in a warm climate. It's a carburetor so it will be easier to start here. I took my boat last week for some warranty work and part of the repair was for pre-ignition. Engine would continue to run after you turn the ignition off. Happened only a few times but this can happen if you don't let it cool down before you shut it down if you ran it a little hard. This wasn't the issue. I was aware of that.

Prior to this it would take 2 or 3 attempts to start the engine cold at about 5 seconds each attempt. That would be after advancing the throttle forward to help the start.

Today I was looking for a place to mount the GPS and since I had to work this weekend and couldn't hit the water I thought I would put the muffs on and get some yard time. As soon as I bumped the key it started. My truck won't do that. Last time it ran was 4 days ago (5/26). I'm impressed. I'll take it to the lake this coming weekend and let you know if it was a fluke.

 

[jmarty10]

Re: MerCruiser TKS (Turn Key Starting) How do owners feel about it?

I have a 2008 4.3 tks model. I alway pump the throttle three times before I start it cold. After it warms I just turn the key. Never had any problems. I can start it cold without pumping but it cranks longer. When I first go WOT it seems to hicup and then takes off. Its better than my last boat where I alway had to open the throttle to start it.