Converting Choke to Primer on a 1978 E175

snagroms

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Apr 2, 2005
Messages
86
Just solved an acceleration bogging issue and fuel consumption problem with a carb overhaul and pick up coil cleaning. Runs great, idles good, less smoke, and lower consumption rates. Good news!<br /><br />Now the beast is more difficult to start. Once it starts no problems. My bet was the old needles leaked and let a wee bit more fuel thru and made starting easier. In any case, I've read thru the many posts on starting procedures to see what I might be doing wrong? <br /><br />New bulb pumped firm, no leaking fuel lines, choke butterflies are fully closed, holding key down for choke I turn it over. It starts cranking and has to crank for a long time to begin drawing fuel. During the long crank I advance the shifter (binacle in my center console) forward some with little to no effect. Finally it will fire! Also seems starting now is very finicky with trim position. It has to be ALL THE WAY down to go. If at a shallow ramp and/or the tide is out having the motor all the way down could be an issue. Is my starting process right? I don't do the 8 count becuase there is not primer. <br /><br />I saw someone (Dhadley I think) mention converting from a choke to a primer on these older motors is feasible. Is this easy and does anyone have suggestions or comments? With the old needles leaking more gas the motor fired quickly and consistently. I'd like to get back to that way of operating again.
 

R.Johnson

Rear Admiral
Joined
Sep 24, 2003
Messages
4,446
Re: Converting Choke to Primer on a 1978 E175

Do a Sync & link to make sure the ignition stator, and carb linkage are advancing to the start position with the throttle, or warm up lever, then hold the choke down till it starts. If you had leaking inlet needles, you would have had fuel running out the carb throats, and flooding the engine.
 

snagroms

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Apr 2, 2005
Messages
86
Re: Converting Choke to Primer on a 1978 E175

Sync and Link was done with carb rebuild and triple checked. When started after rebuild on muffs idle was at 4 degrees. Did not check full advance at WOT yet. <br /><br />So the procedure should be to hold the key down to choke and crank away. I know each motor will vary but and estimate on how long it should take to fire would be appreciated. <br /><br />I think I'll try the spray bottle premix trick just to see how it reacts.
 

R.Johnson

Rear Admiral
Joined
Sep 24, 2003
Messages
4,446
Re: Converting Choke to Primer on a 1978 E175

If everything is correct, and with the throttle advanced to start, hold the choke down until it fires, and runs. I would guess the spray bottle will make it start instantly.
 

Walker

Captain
Joined
Jun 15, 2002
Messages
3,085
Re: Converting Choke to Primer on a 1978 E175

Make sure your choke flaps are closing all the when when the choke is activated.
 
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