Choke problem?

[woodturner07]

My 2001 Mercury 50 HP will start but only runs a few seconds. I removed the air breather and noticed the chokes are all closed even after the engine is warm. I do not hear a click when I push in on the ignition switch. Where is the choke mechanism located ?

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Choke problem?

Highly recommend you get a manual. What you are looking at is not choke plates, they are the throttle plates. Modern outboards do not use the old butterfly type chokes, they use what is called an enrichner instead. Try pumping the primer bulb when it starts to die. If it acts like it wants to go rebuild the fuel pump. Also check all your fuel lines especially the primer bulb. All must be soft and pliable with no cracks.

 

[woodturner07]

Re: Choke problem?

Thanks . I at first found the inside of my fuel line had delaminated from the Ethynol gas but have cleaned all of it out and replaced the bulb. I tried squeezing the bulb but it didn't seem to help. Shouldn't you hear a click when you engage the elec. choke? I have had two technicions wanting to rebuild my carbs because I have only run a couple of tanks of gas through it in 9 years but I'm not convinced enough to spend $400.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Choke problem?

You should hear the enrichner click when you push in on the key (with it in the run position). If the motor has been setting for a long time the carbs could be gummed up inside.

 

[woodturner07]

Re: Choke problem?

I disconected the hose and pumped the bulb tight and checked it the next morning and it was still tight . I then plugged it to the motor and within 15 minutes it had lost it's prime. Would that be caused by gummed up carbs?