Missing Choke System --- A Problem?

ewag316

Cadet
Joined
Jan 1, 2014
Messages
22
My post from a few months ago had to do with me figuring out that I had a 1983 (give or take) 150 HP Mercury in an outboard unit with S/N identified as '93 200 HP Mercury. (http://forums.iboats.com/mercury-ma...riner-engine-i-actually-purchased-635880.html)

Now that two months have passed, I've learned more and have some more questions.

According to the service manual that I have, and parts diagrams for this S/N powerhead, it seems as though I should have a choke solenoid, choke system, and idle speed control assembly.... but I have NONE. See attached photo which shows the choke plate. No choke system at all.


20131215_150501.jpg
20131215_150449.jpg

I do have a fuel enrichment valve. I don't THINK that the FEV is intended to replace a choke system. Seems that both should be there. Engine starts OK, but not as well as I think it should.

Can anyone learn me on this? Not sure I could go out and buy a new choke system anyhow, but if I know that it's actually missing that might help me trouble shoot things later on.
 
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racerone

Supreme Mariner
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Dec 28, 2013
Messages
39,401
Re: Missing Choke System --- A Problem?

You do not have choke flappers on this motor.-------The enricher replaces choke flappers.----No need to have both !!------What is your starting procedure on this motor??----Post the details on how you try and start a cold motor.
 
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Mi duckdown

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Apr 14, 2007
Messages
2,575
Re: Missing Choke System --- A Problem?

^^^ YOU NEED to know how the motor works.???
 
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ewag316

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Jan 1, 2014
Messages
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Re: Missing Choke System --- A Problem?

Roger that Commander..... it's why I need you guys. I have an old manual for it that helps me out somewhat, but seeing what's in the manual, and looking at what I have, causes me to question things. I'm comfortable with auto mechanics but learning (to my surprise) there seem to be more differences than I was expecting. Any suggestions on what I can to to learn / figure out how the motor works?
 

ewag316

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Joined
Jan 1, 2014
Messages
22
Re: Missing Choke System --- A Problem?

You do not have choke flappers on this motor.-------The enricher replaces choke flappers.----No need to have both !!------What is your starting procedure on this motor??----Post the details on how you try and start a cold motor.

I'll try my best to describe the steps....

1. prime fuel bulb until firm
2. push button on throttle lever to disengage transmission, move to full throttle position 2x then back to starting / neutral position
3. push ignition key in and hold while cranking engine (I know the fuel enrichment valve works as I have tested it before by holding in without cranking and it does the click-click-click thing as long as I push the key in)
4. every time the starter disengages I let off the start key position
5. once the engine sounds like it's trying to go on it's own I try it again but without hitting the fuel enrichment this time
6. most of the time that does it, but if it won't fire up on previous step, try it again WITH fuel enrichment and it normally takes it at that point

Note step #2 - a friend told me to do that, but when I look at all of the throttle linkage and arms, I can't see if it's actually DOING any good or not. He mentioned an "accelerator pump" but.... no idea if my engine works that way or not. Maybe just my imaganation, but I THINK that once he told me that, it seemed easier to start, but that could just be my imagination.

My only other post on here explains this is my first boat. I have virtually no experience with these things. My benchmark for expectations on how the engine should start and "act" are based on my experience with automobiles, plus what I read in my manual, online, and in here.
 

ewag316

Cadet
Joined
Jan 1, 2014
Messages
22
Re: Missing Choke System --- A Problem?

You do not have choke flappers on this motor.-------The enricher replaces choke flappers.----No need to have both !!------What is your starting procedure on this motor??----Post the details on how you try and start a cold motor.

By the way RACERONE..... your comment that I "do not need both" is music to my ears. This boat project has been like a Pandora's box of surprises. I am relieved that you (at least one person at this point) are not telling me I need to go out and find choke system for an '83 motor. It DOES START without it, so makes sense I don't "need" it, but because I don't know my boat from a hole in the ground, I was suspicious if maybe the choke system would make starting even easier, ergo something I need. Thanks!!
 

Texasmark

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Joined
Dec 20, 2005
Messages
14,937
Re: Missing Choke System --- A Problem?

If I read your starting procedure correctly, you have a Quicksilver 3000 remote with the big black button you push to put the lever in the throttle only position. Then I think I understood you to advance it and then return it to N to initiate the starting procedure.

First, the engine starts better with some throttle. Back before the days of carbureted cars, when attempting to start you pushed down on the accelerator somewhat which opens the butterfly(ies) in the carb(s) and allows more air through which sucks up more gas from the bowl and helps getting her going. Going through the push the button, advance, and return to N is a waste of time. Push the button, advance the throttle about half way and then go through your routine. As soon as the engine lights off then you can pull the lever back and all to keep the rpms up around 1500 give or take till it warms up. Then go to N, reactivating the shifter and be about your business.

On the rest of it seems some of us have different opinions so you may be confused on directions. I discuss what works for my engine. Don't know what others use as a basis. My procedure is posted on this forum....look in my archives.

Mark
 

oldman570

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Joined
Mar 25, 2011
Messages
1,615
Re: Missing Choke System --- A Problem?

If I read your starting procedure correctly, you have a Quicksilver 3000 remote with the big black button you push to put the lever in the throttle only position. Then I think I understood you to advance it and then return it to N to initiate the starting procedure.

First, the engine starts better with some throttle. Back before the days of carbureted cars, when attempting to start you pushed down on the accelerator somewhat which opens the butterfly(ies) in the carb(s) and allows more air through which sucks up more gas from the bowl and helps getting her going. Going through the push the button, advance, and return to N is a waste of time. Push the button, advance the throttle about half way and then go through your routine. As soon as the engine lights off then you can pull the lever back and all to keep the rpms up around 1500 give or take till it warms up. Then go to N, reactivating the shifter and be about your business.

On the rest of it seems some of us have different opinions so you may be confused on directions. I discuss what works for my engine. Don't know what others use as a basis. My procedure is posted on this forum....look in my archives.

Mark

^1

This is the way to start a cold motor and is the way I also start my Merc's. It is the same it your control is the older control with the warm up lever separate. Merc motors are cold blooded when first started and pushing in the key in short times will take getting use to. Usually after the motor is warmed up, use of the choke/enrichment is not needed unless the motor has set and cooled down for a longer period of time. JMO
Oldman570
 

racerone

Supreme Mariner
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Dec 28, 2013
Messages
39,401
Re: Missing Choke System --- A Problem?

Most folks are used to modern cars.---You turn the key and go.-------With an outboard you have to read the manual.-----Learn how things work.-----Listen to owners who have years of experience with their motors too. ----Visit a shop and ask them to explain , after you buy a jug of oil !
 
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