Starting procedure for Mercruiser 4.3L I/O

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strokeoluck

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Boat details below; we're new boaters. Went to ramp tonight and attempted to start boat. I followed the procedure noted in the manual and in the Bayliner video. Their info said I should push the button in at the base of the throttle stick, push the throttle stick all the way forward, and then back it off to about the 1/4 forward position; then start the boat. I did that but it wasn't turning over. After several attempts I repeated the process - again pushing the throttle lever all the way forward and then backing it off to 1/4 forward position. Still no luck. It sure sounded like it wanted to start, but it wouldn't.

So finally I pushed the throttle about 3/4 the way forward and started it. It started, but obviously it started with quite a bit of "oomph" because the throttle was 3/4 the way forward. After several seconds I backed it down to about 1/4 the way forward, and then after about 10 seconds I put it into neutral.

My questions:

1) Did I follow the right procedure?

2) Is it ok to start it when it's 3/4 the way forward?

Thanks.
 
redone4x4

redone4x4

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Re: Starting procedure for Mercruiser 4.3L I/O

sounds okay. thats how my older 5.0 v8 starts. keep you hand on the throttle, and as soon as she fires, start bringing it down. I have to keep mine above 1000 rpm's for a minute or so or it will die though. I have to give mine quite a bit of gas to get it to start the initial time.
 
1980Galaxy

1980Galaxy

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Re: Starting procedure for Mercruiser 4.3L I/O

i dont use the choke unless i HAVE TO. if the boat has been sittin for a while then its alright but if you hafta choke it that much to get it started every time then i think there would be some sort of problem. im no expert, tho, so someone else should chime in.
 
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IVAZ

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Re: Starting procedure for Mercruiser 4.3L I/O

I have a 4.3 also. I start mine by pumping the throttle 2 or 3 full times then I give it a little less than a 1/4 throttle and fire it up. It starts right up and it idles at about 1000 rpm. I let it run for about 30 to 40 seconds at 1k rpm and the I slowly bring it down to normal idle. The key is to pump the throttle atleast one time all the way forward to set the choke before you start it. If it doesnt easily start by following this method, you have some issues to take care of.
 
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IVAZ

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Re: Starting procedure for Mercruiser 4.3L I/O

1980Galaxy said:
i dont use the choke unless i HAVE TO. if the boat has been sittin for a while then its alright but if you hafta choke it that much to get it started every time then i think there would be some sort of problem. im no expert, tho, so someone else should chime in.
Click to expand...
How can you "choke it to much"?

The choke sets it self one time. The only time a carb engine doesnt need the choke is after it has already been warmed up. Once warm you can just turn the key without having to touch the throttle.
 
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windsors03cobra

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Re: Starting procedure for Mercruiser 4.3L I/O

On my 30 year old pile with a Mercury Tagged carb tha'ts probably never been opened up I just pump the throttle all the way open 3 or 4 times and set it at 1/4 throttle, starts like fuel injection, warm up speed is 1100-1300.
 
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strokeoluck

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Re: Starting procedure for Mercruiser 4.3L I/O

IVAZ said:
How can you "choke it to much"?

The choke sets it self one time.
Click to expand...

I know little about engines, but I thought this starting process was designed to pump a little gas in the engine too. No? If not, why does the Bayliner manual and video tell you to move it forward again if the first time doesn't work? I'm NOT questioning anyone's experience or expertise in this area...just trying to understand what I should do next time.
 
Bondo

Bondo

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Re: Starting procedure for Mercruiser 4.3L I/O

but I thought this starting process was designed to pump a little gas in the engine too. No? If not, why does the Bayliner manual and video tell you to move it forward again if the first time doesn't work?
Click to expand...

Ayuh,... The 1st time the throttle lever is pushed to Full, it sets the Choke...

Each time the throttle lever is moved from low throttle to full throttle,...
The Acc. pump shoots it some raw Gas....
 
Bondo

Bondo

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Re: Starting procedure for Mercruiser 4.3L I/O

Don S said:
Quote:
Originally Posted by strokeoluck
Bond-O, I have to ask...what does "Ayuh" mean?
__________________________________________________________________
Google is your friend ;)
Click to expand...

Ayuh,... ;)
 
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