electric choke question

[BD Rod]

I have a 1988 Mercury 90 hp outboard and before you try to push the key in to activate the electric choke all 3 carb "flaps" are already closed. When you go to start the motor shouldn't the flaps be open then you push the key in and that closes them? Thanks

 

[guitchess]

Re: electric choke question

I have a 87 Mariner 90, so there may be some differences, but on my engine, the push in key doesn't close a traditional choke, it activates an enrichner valve. If I understand it properly, it basically primes the cylinder by injecting a small amount of fuel. Mariners and Mercurys are usually so similar I would bet this is your setup.

The butterflies you are looking at are the main air butterflies.

 

[Knightgang]

Re: electric choke question

I bet guitchess is right. The flaps then open to increase airflow as the throttle is increased...

 

[sschefer]

Re: electric choke question

I have a 1988 Mercury 90 hp outboard and before you try to push the key in to activate the electric choke all 3 carb "flaps" are already closed. When you go to start the motor shouldn't the flaps be open then you push the key in and that closes them? Thanks

The butterflys on the carbs must be opened manually with the throttle. You'll want to crack the throttle slightly before attempting to start it.

I usually choke it for 5 seconds then hit the key and it'll pop but not run. I then crack the throttle and hit the key and it fires right up. I don't know if that method is right or wrong but it always starts my engines and that's what matters to me.

 

[BD Rod]

Re: electric choke question

My neighbor thought there was something wrong because he thought they should be open then close when you push in on the key. He thought that was how his worked,he would push in the key,hear a solenoid activate and then they closed,his is a Nissan though. I was complaining that it started kinda hard so he thought this was the problem. He had told me to turn up the fast idle,push the key in to choke and turn the key but this wasn't working well . It seems maybe just pushing the key in and turning the key works better.