What the best way to start a 1994 4.3 mercruiser

[jeep2001]

I just bought A 1994 bowrider with a 4.3 mercruiser and I am not sure of the best way to start it. I dont think there is choke so how many times should I pump the throttle and should I start it with throttle depress a little or not? I been pumping the throttle 2 time and then starting the engine on idle but this takes about 6 attemps to start and the engine rpm are very low when cold. When engine is warm I have no problem starting.
Thank Mike

 

[oops!]

Re: What the best way to start a 1994 4.3 mercruiser

sounds like you need a tune up.

any carburated motor is the same start procedure.

pump once or twice.....let sit 3 seconds......hit the key.

 

[QC]

Re: What the best way to start a 1994 4.3 mercruiser

From the Merc manual (I just emailed the whole thing to you as well):

1 Check all items listed in OPERATION CHART.
2 Perform any other necessary checks, as indicated by your dealer, or specified in your boat owner?s manual.
3 Place drive unit in full down/in position.
4 Place control handle in NEUTRAL.
5 Push THROTTLE ONLY button and position throttle setting as follows:
COLD ENGINE - Move control/throttle lever to full throttle, then return to about 1/4 throttle. In extreme cold
it may be necessary to pump lever more than once.
WARM ENGINE - Move control/throttle lever to 1/4 throttle position.
FLOODED ENGINE - Move control/throttle lever to full throttle. Be prepared to decrease engine speed to
1000-1500 rpm as soon as engine starts.
6 Turn ignition key to START. Release key when engine starts and allow switch to return to RUN position.
7 Carbureted Engines - Move control/throttle lever back to decrease engine rpm to 1000-1500 rpm if necessary.
8 Check oil pressure gauge immediately after engine starts. If oil pressure is not within specified range (see
SPECIFICATIONS), stop engine immediately and determine cause.
9 If engine is cold, run engine for 1 or 2 minutes at fast idle (1000-1500 rpm).

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: What the best way to start a 1994 4.3 mercruiser

Are you pumping the throttle to WOT ? That is usually whats needed to set the choke On my 86 4.3 first pump all the way to WOT, then a few half pumps, and she fires right up. Its a bit cold blooded and takes a minute or so before shes running smoothly, but then shes good to go

 

[Lou C]

Re: What the best way to start a 1994 4.3 mercruiser

Don't forget you should be sniffing the engine compartment for fumes and running the blower for 4 min before cranking the engine.
I have an 88 4.3 with the 4bbl Quadrajet carb, 3 full pumps foward and then set throttle at 1/4 foward, she will usually catch on the first try if run in the last week if not the second try...

 

[jeep2001]

Re: What the best way to start a 1994 4.3 mercruiser

Thanks everone for the help I only had the boat out 3 times and this is all new to me. I was woundering how many of you do your own winterizing and how hard is it to do?
Mike

 

[Volphin]

Re: What the best way to start a 1994 4.3 mercruiser

Thanks everone for the help I only had the boat out 3 times and this is all new to me. I was woundering how many of you do your own winterizing and how hard is it to do?
Mike

There's a sticky on the whole process. Get a pro to do it if you are unsure. You DO NOT want to crack a block.

V

 

[HorizonblueDK]

Re: What the best way to start a 1994 4.3 mercruiser

Yes, starting an engine with carb, takes a little practise. I now and then hear a loud WROOOOOOOOMMMMM, when new boaters start a cold engine. I don't think it's healthy reving an ice cold engine up to 3500 rpm at the same moment it fires up.

It can be difficult to place the throttle at a position, so it wakes up gently. Either it gets to much and revs up like a dragster or too little, and it dies after running 3 seconds.

That's why I have made a "cold start handle". It is a choke cable running from the dashboard to the throttle lever on the carb(Volvo penta 430 V6 4,3 2 barrel). I pull the handle on the cable, untill it reaches a full stop and then I can start the engine(Pump it twice on the ordinary handle, first). It revs up to 1200 Rpm. Nice and gentle start.

As the engine warms up, the rpm's goes up to 1800. I just push the cable back, as the engine warms up.

The carburettor is prepared for a second station(flybridge) I have used this for the cold start system.

The top mount throttle handle for OMC electric stringer has this feature build in. Pretty clever actually.