Carb choke position

[JBC118]

1988 Marlin w 4.3 Merc 2 bbl carb..
This is my first I/O so I'm a bit of a newbie.
Winterized today and when I started the engine on muffs I thought I set the choke but after I started ( took a minute) I noticed the butterfly was vertical...
Does the key have to be on to set the choke?
It felt like I needed some choke and there was none...
Thoughts?

 

[alldodge]

Choke is only needed when engine is cold. The choke has a bimetal spring in it and has temps drop the choke will close, but if its warm it may not.

Was this the first time the engine was started and what was the temp outside?

 

[JBC118]

First time in a while...temp around 50

 

[alldodge]

Your setting the choke by putting the throttle handle in throttle only position and going full forward to pump the carb, correct?

 

[JBC118]

Right, throttle only, pumped it twice, and started...
Butterfly was vertical...
I don't think this is right

 

[alldodge]

Don't know which carb you have (Merc or Rochester) but need to loosen the screws on the front of the Choke housing (Merc carb item 2) plastic
http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...nbr=110&bdesc=CARBURETOR(MERCARB)(175+-+4.3L)

With throttle moved a 1/4 forward, rotate the choke housing cover until the plate closes with a 1/8 inch gap.

This needs to be adjusted when engine and temp is cold

 

[JBC118]

Great, thanks! Of course I notice this during winterization...
Get to it in the spring, thanks again!

 

[Fishermark]

... I thought I set the choke but after I started ( took a minute) I noticed the butterfly was vertical...
Does the key have to be on to set the choke?
It felt like I needed some choke and there was none...
Thoughts?

You more than likely have an electric choke. As mentioned by AllDodge it is "set" when you move your throttle off of idle. If it is set correctly, then it will spring closed and then gradually open up.

If it took you a minute to look at it however, it is hard to tell if it had been closed or open when it was cold. As long as the engine is running, or the key is on, the choke "heater" is warming up and opening the choke butterfly.