How do I fix outboard choke or enrichment problems?

Choke / enrichment problems · Symptom: Cold engine won't start, or floods.

Quick answer: Most often: cold start without choke/prime, choke left on after warm-up (flooding, soot), using choke on an already-warm engine. Start here: Follow your manual's cold-start sequence. Tohatsu small 4-strokes, for example: choke fully out, throttle to START, pull; push choke back once running; choke not needed when warm. If that doesn't fix it, work through the checks below, and see a marine mechanic if you're unsure.

Likely causes (most to least common)

Cold start without choke/prime
Choke left on after warm-up (flooding, soot)
Using choke on an already-warm engine
Stuck choke plate, linkage, or (electric) choke solenoid

Safe owner checks & fixes

Follow your manual's cold-start sequence. Tohatsu small 4-strokes, for example: choke fully out, throttle to START, pull; push choke back once running; choke not needed when warm.
Tohatsu: if no start after 4–5 attempts with choke, push choke back in and retry (avoids flooding).
Unstable idle when cold: partial choke briefly, per manual.
Electric choke (some Tohatsu EP/EPT): if solenoid fails the manual describes closing the plate by hand — follow it exactly.
Check choke linkage moves freely (listed in Tohatsu inspection chart).

Parts / tools

Usually none; choke linkage parts if worn.

Call a marine mechanic when

Choke linkage seized or broken; electric choke solenoid failed; still won't start cold after correct procedure (carb service). If you're on the water and unsafe, call TowBoatUS/Sea Tow or the Coast Guard (VHF 16).

Sources

Values not stated here are model-specific; check your owner's manual.