Choke Unloader Advice Sought

[CFM56-7]

Hello all,

Quick background: I purchased a 1991 Ebbtide Campione 182 with Mercruiser 3.0LX last month and the owner claimed it was difficult to start when cold. I just finished reassembly of the carb after installing a rebuild kit. While making final adjustments to the choke and accelerator pump rods I found that the throttle lever is either unoriginal or has been modified. Basically the tang that engages the choke idle cam to activate the choke unloader is not present. This leaves me without the choke unloader function.

I ran into a parts availability issue with the choke housing which had been broken. BT Doctur saved me with a used unit and I can't thank him enough. Now, all the sites I have checked show the throttle lever also as being "NLA".

I'm basically looking for some advice from those with extensive experience operating the carbureted Merc 3.0LX. Do you often find yourself running into a flooded condition where the choke unloader saves the day? Is the choke unloader feature something you could live without?

My hope is to have everything sorted out by next season, even if that requires a Rochester replacement carb. Thanks in advance for your input!

CFM56-7

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Choke Unloader Advice Sought

this? Usually as long as the choke will close cold to 1/8 inch and go fully open when hot your good to go.

 

[CFM56-7]

Re: Choke Unloader Advice Sought

The tab running left to right above the tip of the idle screw is broken off my throttle bracket. That tab contacts the choke idle cam when the throttle is fully opened to slightly open the choke. This leans the mixture and allows you to work through a flooded condition.

I put some additional thought into the problem and I figure worst case, I simply wait a few minutes with the key in the on position. This would allow the electric choke thermostat to move the choke enough to accomplish the same task.

CFM

 

[NHGuy]

Re: Choke Unloader Advice Sought

You can always stick a pen or something in there to hold the butterfly open while it clears. You probably should not leave the ignition on without running the motor. That energizes the ignition and could lead to issues.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Choke Unloader Advice Sought

Was cleaning and found this. I believe it was of a 4 cyl omc motor. Rochester 2 jet marine carb. No idea of the condition. May just need a cleaning. PM if interested. Just pay shipping for now. If its in working condition paypal me something.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Choke Unloader Advice Sought

If you must repeatedly unload the choke to get the engine started, then you have the choke set wrong. You adjust the choke on a stone cold engine so the plate just barely closes. when the engine starts it should pop open a bit and then gradually open fully as the engine warms up.

 

[CFM56-7]

Re: Choke Unloader Advice Sought

Overall it sounds like the choke unloader is only used if the carb isn't functioning as intended or is set up incorrectly. Based on the replies, I will leave my carb as is and just be ready to crack the butterfly manually should the need arise.

Thanks to all for sharing your expertise!

CFM

 

[Lou C]

Re: Choke Unloader Advice Sought

Actually it is there if you flood a cold engine by pumping the gas too much. With a closed choke + flooded carb (too much gas) you need to have a way to kick open the choke a bit to give it enough air to start.

 

[dan t.]

Re: Choke Unloader Advice Sought

Why not just make the piece fron a small scrap of metal and weld it on with a wire feed welder. You would want to remove the base from the carb first.

 

[CFM56-7]

Re: Choke Unloader Advice Sought

After relocating from the west coast, my shop no longer includes a welder. I'll consider the weld option if I routinely run into a flooded no start condition.

Thanks