will only run/idle if i play with the choke if it starts to die i choke it more

[Coreyb760]

I have a 95 hp merc from the 60's or 70's it is a strait six with three carbs, I ran it compleatly out of gas before i put it up for the winter. My problem is when i try to start it, it will start but only if i am constantly playing with the choke. Any advice would be greatly appriciated.

[Frosty]

Carbs off clean out.

Slow running jets on one or more carbs dirty /blocked, tickling the joke pulls fuel up the main jets that keeps it going.

[charmc]

Listen to Frosty. The most likely cause is dirty/gummed up carbs, another way of saying it is clogged jets. Try cleaning first. If the problem persists, there are rebuild kits that will make the carbs like new.