What does the Choke Stove do?

[64.5ragtop]

I am sure that my choke stove in the exhaust manifold needs attention.
What are the symptoms of a defective choke stove?
What does it do?

Thanks for any help.

 

[D.Hearne]

If you're talking about the butterfly valve downstream of the manifold, best thing to do with that is remove it. If it sticks shut or partly shut, it's just a restriction you don't need. It's purpose was to help the engine warm up faster. it was a BAD idea.