1987 Mercruiser 230.....trouble cold starting

[clattin]

I have an 87 Chris Craft Scorpion 196 with a mercruiser MCM 230LX. I have trouble getting it started when its cold. I push the throttle lever all the way forward a couple of times, crank it and then repeat. It takes about 7-10 times for it to finally start and keep running. Then it runs great. I don't have a throttle only control, so for me to rev it up, I would have to put it in gear.

Suggestions?

By the way, this is a new boat to me and I'm pretty new at owning a boat.

Thanks!
Chris

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1987 Mercruiser 230.....trouble cold starting

I have an 87 Chris Craft Scorpion 196 with a mercruiser MCM 230LX. I have trouble getting it started when its cold. I push the throttle lever all the way forward a couple of times, crank it and then repeat. It takes about 7-10 times for it to finally start and keep running. Then it runs great. I don't have a throttle only control, so for me to rev it up, I would have to put it in gear.

Suggestions?

By the way, this is a new boat to me and I'm pretty new at owning a boat.

Thanks!
Chris

Ayuh,.... Fix yer controller, so's ya can actuate the throttle.....

Which carb is on that motor,..?? The Merc/ Weber 4bbl.,..??

 

[Another retired guy]

Re: 1987 Mercruiser 230.....trouble cold starting

Hi. The first thing to check is the choke. With the engine cold, remove the flame arrester from the top of the carb and you should see the choke plate in the closed position. I'm guessing it will be open!

 

[clattin]

Re: 1987 Mercruiser 230.....trouble cold starting

Sorry, but what do you mean by "fix yer controller"? Are you saying I should replace it with one that does have a throttle only control?

Ayuh,.... Fix yer controller, so's ya can actuate the throttle.....

Which carb is on that motor,..?? The Merc/ Weber 4bbl.,..??

 

[clattin]

Re: 1987 Mercruiser 230.....trouble cold starting

I believe its the 4 barrel carb. Should the choke be automatic?

Hi. The first thing to check is the choke. With the engine cold, remove the flame arrester from the top of the carb and you should see the choke plate in the closed position. I'm guessing it will be open!

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1987 Mercruiser 230.....trouble cold starting

Sorry, but what do you mean by "fix yer controller"? Are you saying I should replace it with one that does have a throttle only control?

Ayuh,... Are you sayin' yer's has never had the option of throttle only,..??

I find that hard to believe....

 

[clattin]

Re: 1987 Mercruiser 230.....trouble cold starting

Not that I can tell....I'll take a pic of it tomorrow and post it.

Chris

Ayuh,... Are you sayin' yer's has never had the option of throttle only,..??

I find that hard to believe....

 

[Another retired guy]

Re: 1987 Mercruiser 230.....trouble cold starting

I believe its the 4 barrel carb. Should the choke be automatic?

I'm not familiar with your particular engine/ carb set up so can only comment in general. The choke is usually automatic - it will be controlled by a thermostatic spring coil that winds/unwinds as the engine warms/cools. The coil is attached to a plate in the carb that opens/closes depending on engine temperature. If the choke isn't closing when the engine is cold then either the linkage is binding somewhere, or the coil spring needs adjusting. It's also possible that a new coil spring may be needed - but check linkage/adjustment first. ( It's not an expensive part!)
Before you check, move the controller to the full forward position and then back to neutral. This releases a locking device on the choke and allows it to reset.

 

[clattin]

Re: 1987 Mercruiser 230.....trouble cold starting

Here are a couple of pics of my throttle control........

Chris

 

[Maclin]

Re: 1987 Mercruiser 230.....trouble cold starting

See if the entire handle can move outward from the controller box.

 

[clattin]

Re: 1987 Mercruiser 230.....trouble cold starting

Tried that...damn near pulled the whole side wall off!

 

[clattin]

Re: 1987 Mercruiser 230.....trouble cold starting

Well, that was an easy fix! Thanks so much to you guys! It was simply the linkage from the spring to the carb was disconnected. Hooked it back up and voila.....fired up on the first crank!

Also figured out that I do have a throttle only setting on the shifter. As Maclin suggested, I can pull the whole lever out and its throttle only. Its just VERY sticky! Can that be adjusted or lubricated?

Thanks again!
Chris