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AQ211A starting procedure

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Stefano Valeretto

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"Hi to everyone.
I have an AQ

"Hi to everyone.
I have an AQ211A (GM 305 V8). The choke mechanism has been excluded on purpose since, when cold, the engine usually starts very easily by operating the throttle lever once or twice before crancking. The only drawback is that it calls for a couple of minutes of fast idling (1000 – 1200 rpm) before being able to pull back the throttle lever to the neutral position and shift the engine into gear.
Theoretically, if the engine was started with the choke mechanims properly adjusted, it should not be necessary to pump gas into the carburator throat by means of the throttle, and the richer mixture should enable the engine operation at normal idling speed, or at least with the control lever in the neutral position (the actual idling speed may be anyway a little highier than normal due to the effect of the fast idle cam on the carburator) thus allowing immediatly to shift it into gear.
I tried this second starting procedure but it turned out to be worse than the first one, since the engine tends to get flooded, or at least that was my impression since I have not insisted longer.
Does anyone have any suggestion on the correct starting procedure for these types of engines, or any experience to share on that subject?
Thank you very much.
Stefano."
 
"One thing is having a rich mi

"One thing is having a rich mixture, and a very different one is to flood the cylinders with gas (which is what you seem to be doing).

If I was in your shoes, I would install the electric choke back and let the engine start the way it was originally designed to work."
 
I have the same engine and hav

I have the same engine and have learned alot. First start ONE pump ALL the way down to open the choke(I think) then pull back to a little forward of neutral and start. Needs to warm up before pulling back to neutral. If you pump more than once will flood the engine. If flooded start with throttle FULL down/throttle to open up the carb. to allow in air.
Once I run the motor even if I shut down and come back just need to start at neutral or a little past neutral. If I run the engine on a daily basis many times just need to start at neutral or around neutral. Just remember cold start only need one full pump to open choke to start.
Ponti
 
"Thanks for the answers.
So,

"Thanks for the answers.
So, Ponti, if I have well understood,
1) you usually use the choke for cold starting;
2) despite the choke you still have to wait a while before pulling back to neutral.
When I tried to start the engine with the choke, it started immediately but cut off after a few seconds and then, to have it running againg, I had to manually disengage the choke.
Without the choke it starts with no problems, provided you pump with the throttle two - three times. The only drawback is that you have to wait a couple of minutes before pulling back to neutral (but, according to Ponti, the choke is not going to solve this minor problem).
I agree with El that the engine should start the way it has been designed to, but this is my experience. However I will try againg with the choke and let you know.
Thanks againg.
Stefano"
 
"Stefano, your starting proble

"Stefano, your starting problems may be related to something more than the choke (idle mixture adjustment, idle speed adjustment, carb needing rebuild, etc). My engine is a 350 (ex-AQ311) and has the same starting arrangement as yours initially had (electric choke). What I always do before starting the engine for first time in the day is moving the accelerator control lever a couple of times so that a bit of fuel is squirted into the carb. It works like a charm, and there is no need to do it again in subsequent starts once the engine is warm."
 
"The main things I have learne

"The main things I have learned after owning this engine for 6 years, 1990 model, are don't pump more than once, takes small amount of time to warm up and if flooded start with throttle all the way down to open carb. I had a boat when I was younger and always had to pump a few times to start but quickly learned this flooded the engine. A mechanic at the dock explained to me only one full pump to open choke, cold start, and then start a little past neutral and I have not had a problem since starting the boat. I had the carb rebuilt. I live in Seattle and think the moisture may have something to do with the warm up but don't know for sure."
 
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