How to Choke?

geostang351 · Jan 18, 2007

I have a 351W with a 600 CFM edelbrock carb with manual choke. Since I've had this engine, I've never had the manual choke cable installed. Can someone explain what the choke does exactly and what procedure do I use to start the car by using the choke? Until now, I pump the gas, crank it, pump gas, crank it until it starts. I then have to sit in the car and apply the pedal slightly to keep the car running until it warms up. Can anyone help me as to how to start my car without having to sit in it for 15 minutes? I will buy a cable, but don't know how to use it. Thanks.

:SNSign:

Capt Dan · Jan 18, 2007

You could buy an electric choke kit. Easier to use in my opinion.

but if you use the cable... Close the choke when you start the car. It richens the mixture for easier starting. As the car warms up you will notice it running rougher, possibly smoking a bit (running rich) as this continues, open the choke until it smooths out. Once the car is warm, you should have the choke all the way off.

Electric works on the same principle, only it has a built in heater that adjusts the choke automatically.

The original carb had a spring that was heated by the heater hose that went by it. Same principle for all. Open the choke as the engine warms up.

tos · Jan 18, 2007

Well this could be explained with alot of detail but your choke is the plate or butterfly at the top of your carb and simply acts as a restricter to reduce the amount of air entering the carb. A cold engine starts better with less air and a little more fuel. Restricting the airflow causes the engine to suck more fuel out of the bowl thru the idle port. As the engine warms up it needs less fuel and more air till it can run on a more efficient mixture. When you hook your cable up make sure you have full travel of the choke plate from full open to full closed. Thats really the only adjustment you need to make since operation will be manual.

To start your car pull your cable handle all the way out which will close the choke plate.Pump gas a couple times.Then try to start. You may have to move the handle a little to get it to run smooth and also as it warms up you will have to push the handle back in till finally its in all the way and the engine runs smooth.

This should help you not to have to wait to warm up.

P.S. Electic chokes do all this for you so if you ever change carbs consider going with electric choke.

BlwnGazkit · Jan 18, 2007

The Electric conversion kit for the Edelbrock carb is $65 MAX and it's relatively easy to install. Just do that, much less of a headache! If you run into problems installing it, send it to me. I'll install it for you if you pay for the shipping.

geostang351 · Jan 18, 2007

Is this the kit I would be looking for to convert to electric choke from manual?

http://store.summitracing.com/partd...1&part=EDL-1478&N=700+302468+115&autoview=sku

Capt Dan · Jan 18, 2007

yes.

piece of cake and no running cables thru your firewall.

BlwnGazkit · Jan 18, 2007

geostang351 said:
Is this the kit I would be looking for to convert to electric choke from manual?

http://store.summitracing.com/partd...1&part=EDL-1478&N=700+302468+115&autoview=sku

Yep, thats the kit. It requires some minor dis-assembly of the carb, but its not terribly difficult.

Tim65GT · Jan 18, 2007

It richens the mixture for easier starting.

It also moves a stepped cam to open the throttle blades a tad.

On my Edelbrock, (if it's been more than a couple days) I crank for about 5 seconds to make sure there's fuel to the carb..wait a couple seconds, pull the choke all the way out, crank with about 1/3 throttle until it kicks over. Once running, push the choke in half way, while reving it to about 1-2k for about another 5 seconds and it then settles into a nice idle. Once the temp gage starts to move I can push the choke all the way in.

geostang351 · Jan 19, 2007

Tim65GT said:
It also moves a stepped cam to open the throttle blades a tad.

On my Edelbrock, (if it's been more than a couple days) I crank for about 5 seconds to make sure there's fuel to the carb..wait a couple seconds, pull the choke all the way out, crank with about 1/3 throttle until it kicks over. Once running, push the choke in half way, while reving it to about 1-2k for about another 5 seconds and it then settles into a nice idle. Once the temp gage starts to move I can push the choke all the way in.

I have the same problem with fuel staying up by the carb if it sits a few days. I have a clear fuel filter to see if there is gas in the line and usally after a week there is not. IT takes like you said about 5 sec of cranking to get the fuel up. I guess I'll buy and electric choke and install it. Thanks for the help!:SNSign:

BB1966 · Jan 19, 2007

Firmly wrap both hands around the neck.......OH you ment a carb!! Ok tightly wrap both hands around the hammer handle..........

my72mach1 · Aug 4, 2007

I also have an edelbrock with manual choke I am getting set to install. If I stick with the manual, where could I get the cable from? Also, will I have to rip apart the dash to install? If so, maybe I'll go with the automatic kit as well. I take it that's a pretty easy switch? Thanks.

Randy'65 · Aug 4, 2007

If you go with a manual choke, don't get a cheap cable like I did (I think it was $10 at Kmart several years ago). The cheap cable had so much flex in it, I could pull the knob in and out 1-1/2" and it barely moved the choke plate.

When I get a new manifold/carb, I'm definitely goiong electric.

How to Choke?

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