Mariner Choke???

[jethrosixxx]

My Mariner powerhead was replaced, blew a rod in the old one, and there doesn't appear to be a choke on the new one. On the old one, you pushed in the button above the key and you could here the choke close. The carbs on the new power head don't seem to have a choke anywhere to be found. Is there an "automatic" choke? What is the secret to cold starts on this type of motor/carb?? Any help would be grreatly appreciated.

[hippie]

Jethro, Some people say you need a choke and some say you don't. My boat had a choke but a mechanic torn the linkage off and since then it didn't run right. In Maryland it is unlawfull to disconnect a choke. Look for a screw hole near the carb which is in the intake manifold. It could have had the old spring type and that is where it fastened to the carb/manifold. Also look in the general area of the carb for a hole or two where the linkage could be missing from. Good luck, Bob

[Capt Kid]

depending on the year it will not have a choke, but they call it an enrichner which supplies extra fuel to the cylinders to richen the mixture for cold starting instead of choking the air to richen the mixture. if there is no choke plates on the carbs look for an extra hose leading to the carbs(usually on top) coming from an electric controled soleniod device that is activated win the key is pushed in when trying to start. thats the best way i can think to explain it without going into deep technical jibberish

[Reel Life]

You need to supply a lot more info if you want the right answer.....HP, year, some late model Merc/Mariner carb motors have an auto enricher.

[jethrosixxx]

Yep, auto enricher. I was told by the mechanic it pumps when the starter is engaged. She starts just fine except the starter is very lazy. I'm told it probably needs the bendix rebuilt.

[Capt Kid]

the mercs are very sensitive to low batteries if you dont have 11.5 volts and a 1000 cca battery some models can have trouble starting, as stated above kind of hard to say with limited info on engine.

[jethrosixxx]

Thanks for the replies. I'm gonna get my batteries tested. They're 2 years old and got completely drained while in the shop. She's a conglomeration of 3 different motors, 2 liter, v6, no-choke sumbugger!! lol

[Bob H.]

If it's a rebuilt powerhead it will loosen up. The starters are easy to repair. Enricher's don't work as good as a choke and the solenoid is $60 when they go bad.