Choke button on 73 Merc 850

[Jumper@work]

Ok, I'm an idiot. For the past year and a half, I've been using my warm up lever to start my motor thinking it was the choke lever, all the while staring at the choke button. But this is my first boat so I'm a rookie. Anyway, I just recently learned of my mistake and was told I should hear a click when I hit the choke button. I did that last night and didn't hear anything, even with the key on. But I'm going to try to start it tonight on the muffs by using the choke button. We'll see what happens.<br /><br />My question(s) are this, could my choke solenoid be bad? Or is it possible it's not wired up period? Also, should I hear a "click" when I hit the button? I tried looking into the carbs last night but with the power pack in the front it was hard to see anything. <br /><br />I have a manual at home somewhere but I thought I would ask some of the experts on what they think may be the problem, etc.<br /><br />Thanks!<br />Jump<br /><br />PS. Forgot to add. I'm using the MercControl that came with this boat/motor

 

[merc_650_72]

Re: Choke button on 73 Merc 850

I believe you should hear a click when the key is on. Also, if you remove the engine cover, you should be able to see the choke move on the engine when you press the button.

 

[catmania]

Re: Choke button on 73 Merc 850

Remove your cover, you might have a manual choke attached to you automatic choke. Try working that by hand a few times, if you havent used your choke in years it might be gummed up a bit.<br /><br />The key must be in the on position for the automatic choke to work. Turn key to run position, push button, observe choke system. Usually the choke "click" is quite audible, but with the cover off it should be easily visible as well. <br /><br />Question, was it a real hard starter without the choke?

 

[Jumper@work]

Re: Choke button on 73 Merc 850

Initially it wasn't too tough, however, late last summer I had it worked on and since that point it's been tough to work. This past Friday nite it took several minutes before I could get it to start