To choke or not choke?
 

For a boat that's run up north, but certainly not in temps below ~55F, is there anything to lose from using a carb without a choke? At cold start and until the engine warms up, how badly will it run?

Anyone have experience going from a carb with a choke to one without on similar engines?

thanks

Re: To choke or not choke?
 

Never boated any further north than South Carolina, but have been out in 55-60 temps. Always ripped the choke out of every engine I've owned. One less part to cause problems and better air flow thru the carb. A well tuned engine will start after a quick pump or two of the throttle. After a short 1000-1200 rpm warm up, you should be ready to go.

Re: To choke or not choke?
 

Yup what he said. Just let it warm up and keep it reved for a min or 2 untill it warms up, you should't have any problems.

Re: To choke or not choke?
 

carpman,
I'm on Anchor Bay, and have not run a choke in about 10 years. Just like the others said, pump the throttle 3-4 times and it should start right up. You may have to play with the throttle for a minute or two, then let it idle until it gets to temp.

Re: To choke or not choke?
 

My ZZ502 was a PIA with a choke until the engine warmed up. Stumble, burp, cough........ Now the choke is gone and like the others say, I pump it once or twice, turn the key, and go to high idle (800-900 RPM) for a minute or two. Purrs like a kitten :D

Re: To choke or not choke?
 

I'm also up North.
Holley/BG carbs do totally fine without chokes.
One pump and a shoulder roll :D .......Vrooom.

Better you have your ignition + carb, the more cold start (in marine at typical 50°, 60°,70°, etc,etc) is not an issue.

Re: To choke or not choke?
 

Ditto. We do not run chokes on any engine we build.

Re: To choke or not choke?
 

No Chocke Needed. I have twin 540's. Just need to let em warm up for about 2 minutes when its cold. This weekend it is supposed to be in the mid 30's at night. Time to put the boat away.

Re: To choke or not choke?
 

Thanks everyone. Not too often do I get a resoundingly unamimous reply! :)

Re: To choke or not choke?
 

This weekend it is supposed to be in the mid 30's at night. Time to put the boat away

THATS WHY I LOVE THE SOUTH :D