MerCruiser 140 (’68–’82) choke tube missing – alternative or electric choke conversion?

[ricodudink]

Hi all,

I have a MerCruiser 140 engine (1968–1982 range) that I have completely rebuilt. It is now running perfectly and overall in excellent condition.

The only thing I still need to finish is the choke setup. For that, I’m missing the small tube that runs between the intake manifold and the choke unit.

Surprisingly, this seems to be the only part I cannot find anywhere. I’m based in Europe, so sourcing MerCruiser parts is already a bit more difficult, but this one has been especially hard to track down.

I’ve heard from some people that they sometimes fabricate this tube themselves using copper brake line or similar material.

My question is:
Has anyone successfully made this tube themselves, and if so, what material or dimensions did you use?

Or would it be a better and easier option to convert the system to an electric choke instead? If so, what would be required to do that properly on this setup?

Any advice or experiences would be appreciated.

This is what i found online:

 

[alldodge]

Don't know of anyone who has made one but most have been replaced with electric. Otherwise I would look at brake/fuel line and flare fittings

 

[Scott Danforth]

get the electric choke for a rochester carburetor.

 

[Scott06]

Hi all,

I have a MerCruiser 140 engine (1968–1982 range) that I have completely rebuilt. It is now running perfectly and overall in excellent condition.

The only thing I still need to finish is the choke setup. For that, I’m missing the small tube that runs between the intake manifold and the choke unit.

Surprisingly, this seems to be the only part I cannot find anywhere. I’m based in Europe, so sourcing MerCruiser parts is already a bit more difficult, but this one has been especially hard to track down.

I’ve heard from some people that they sometimes fabricate this tube themselves using copper brake line or similar material.

My question is:
Has anyone successfully made this tube themselves, and if so, what material or dimensions did you use?

Or would it be a better and easier option to convert the system to an electric choke instead? If so, what would be required to do that properly on this setup?

Any advice or experiences would be appreciated.

This is what i found online:
View attachment 416637

usually those are US size compression fittings for like 1/4" copper tubing. if you can get them where you are should be easy to make. if not get an electric choke conversion like this one from Mikes -

https://www.carburetor-parts.com/choke-kit-cu1123?srsltid=AfmBOopEfwWf9lqYImYQfG891gdTBYYQPfi8xQclffRmf-yyiEpv4M_f0Xc