I have a quick question about my carb engine..it's not really a problem, but was wondering if anyone else experiences this..

when starting my carb engine it takes me 5 or 6 different times turning the key before my engine kicks over, but once started it fires one time.. and this is with me pumping the throttles 5 or 6 times before each time i turn the key.....

carb is a holly 4150..when starting i do not use the manual choke, i just pump throttles a few times and turn the key..

again not experiencing any back firing or anything like that, boat runs great except for some tuning issues as far as idling characteristics under load under low rpms.

i'm do to have a compression test, and leak down test before the season, but was wondering if this is normal
thanks again,

Q

Pretty normal without a choke and if the boat has sitting for couple days or more.

Why not use the choke?

Your bowls are probbaly just emptying while it sits. Only way to get fuel to the carb is by cranking the engine over a few times.

Not abnormal with a carbed motor.

thanks, the mechanic that installed the motor made something up to lock it in the open position so that while running hard it doesn't fall and choke the motoor..? cool cause during the winter months i take the boat home from the marina and start once every two weeks..

thanks again,
Q

Try pumping the throttle a few times a minute or 2 before you try cranking it. Like before you back down the ramp or before lowering the boat into the water or whatever you do before going boating.

Works like a champ for me.

The bowls should not empty while sitting for a long long time. Basically the gas would have to evaporate out of the bowls unless there is a leak. If there's a leak it needs to be fixed.

Your mechanic is right, you don't need a choke in Bermuda.

Is it an electric fuel pump with an oil pressure switch?
If it is- then most likley fuel evaporating while sitting for a couple of weeks, then when you crank it you have to wait for oil pressure to build before fuel pump starts and fills bowls.

Thanks, for all the advice...should i use the choke before starting or am i fine doing it the other way..


holly blue electric fuel pump
Thanks

Its fine the way you are doing it.