Takes a few minutes to warm up but will stop if not goosed.

[hz293]

Engine is a Mercruiser 5.0. On a 1989 Chaperral. Problem is that when started cold doesn't stay started for a few minutes unless you goose throttle. On a dock where you don't have to power off it's no problem but when you're launching where there's no dock and a line up of others who want to launch it gets tense. I've tried starting it without touching the throttle and Also rocking the throttle forward a few time. Always starts but won't stay started for a few minutes then settles down. How do I fix this?

 

[burtonrider11]

If you are trailering, run it on muffs in the driveway before departing to let her warm up. I ALWAYS do this before we head to the launch. If anything is not working correctly, I'd rather find out in my driveway than at the boat launch....Also, a warm motor tends to fire right up and we are ready to go when we get there.

Also I have a carbed 5.7l. She acts the same way until she gets warmed up. Some of the other more knowledgable posters may be able to address this better than I, however, I have always just assumed that a carbed motor when cold needs a little time running at a slightly higher RPM to get warmed up. Even modern day cars when started cold will idle higher at first and then back their way down the RPM's....

Not sure if this is what you are looking for....

 

[Scott Danforth]

there is no fast idle cam on a marine carb. you should be starting it throttle only and have it warm up at about 1500 RPM for about 2-3 minutes prior to pulling away from the dock.

 

[Bondo]

I've tried starting it without touching the throttle and Also rocking the throttle forward a few time. Always starts but won't stay started for a few minutes then settles down. How do I fix this?

Ayuh,.... Advance the throttle to Wot, at least once to set the choke, then start at 1/2 to 3/4 throttle,...

As soon as it lights, pull back to a 1,000/ 1500 rpm idle,....

Within a few minutes, it oughta be ready to go,....

Ya got lines, 'n fenders to deal with, warm up while yer doin' 'em,...

 

[keith2k455]

As bondo said. If this still doesn't work, your choke may need adjusted.

 

[bruceb58]

How long do you run at fast idle before putting in gear? What is your choke doing during this time?

 

[Watermann]

Check the choke adjustment, maybe time for a tune up as well.

The start up in the driveway is really good advice I agree with.

 

[bruceb58]

The start up in the driveway is really good advice I agree with.

We can't do that when we go to many of our lakes because of quagga mussel inspections. I do that the night before when I launch in the ocean though.

 

[Alumarine]

We can't do that when we go to many of our lakes because of quagga mussel inspections. I do that the night before when I launch in the ocean though.

Why can't you do this? Does the engine have to be cold for the inspection?

 

[bruceb58]

They make you drop your drive. If one drop of water leaves the drive, they require you to go through a decontamination with 140 degree water at an extra expense of course.

 

[BRG25]

It should only take maybe 30 seconds running at fast idle for it to be warm enough to bring back to idle and not stall. Sounds to me like your choke needs to be adjusted and maybe a tune up.Don't goose the throttle. Let it run at quarter throttle.

 

[Alumarine]

They make you drop your drive. If one drop of water leaves the drive, they require you to go through a decontamination with 140 degree water at an extra expense of course.

Got it. Thanks.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Yep sounds to me like your choke isn't working right.