Re: 03 18hp Tohatsu 4stroke AutoByStarter (choke)
Yes, I have done the solenoid test exactly as you describe, and there was no movement at all (I have a post from about a year ago describing the issue, complete with pictures
). Anyway, after I saved the $ for a new one, I took the old one apart, and put the small "thermostat" onto a warm eye on the stove, and indeed, the pin did move! So now, with a brand new AutoByStarter, the question will be, is there power coming from the 2 yellow female leads, such that it activates the small "thermostat" when the engine heats up....and I won't know until after this weekend when I will have the chance to install and test the new one.
Regarding the vanishing on the idle circuit of the carb, part of my post of a year ago described completely removing, disassembling and soaking the carb for a few days in a gallon of Chem-Dip. It really was not varnished or dirty, but it couldn't hurt so I did it. After that, I have always ran the gas out, and drained the carb, after each outing...but I would be interested in learning more of where you think there may be some varnishing that would be causing the horrible cold starting process. Once the engine starts, and I run it and it warms up, it performs like a Tohatsu should....flawlessly. Anyway, we'll see if my new ABS solves the problem, and I have my fingers crossed.
Thanks much for the reply....and for addressing the color coded wire connection nugget...obviously I skipped over some very important verbiage in my read, so I'll turn the pages more slowly this weekend!
Regards,
Wayne