Choke decisions - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

WB72 · 11-29-2004, 12:50 AM

I will be building a new small block, and just wondering about the choke. I live in Canada and the truck will be driven only in the summer. The exhisting quadrajet has the choke that has the bimetalic spring built in the intake maifold. I will be purchasing the RPM performer and a carb from Edelbrock.

Does the choke mechanism have any effect on how the carb functions normally?

Is the electric choke the most common?

JimKshortstep4x4 · 11-29-2004, 08:54 AM

The stock bimetallic spring choke setup works somewhat but the electric chokes work better. The stock chokes don't warm up fast enough in cold weather and stay on longer than they should. I would recommend the electric choke as it will open up faster and is more reliable.

Jim

1969K10 · 11-29-2004, 09:08 AM

Give up on both of them, and put in a manual choke

Peregrine · 11-29-2004, 01:10 PM

That's what I have, a manual choke. It's cheap theft protection. I can keep mine running without it closed (it takes some work. My choke cable wasn't working right for the first 2 weeks of winter so I learned the hard way) but I doubt anyone who has never even heard of a manual choke will get my truck out of my driveway.

dubie · 11-29-2004, 01:13 PM

I installed an electric choke on mine but I don't think it's working. Is it correct to run a wire from the choke to the UNFUSED spot on your fuse box?? I ahve mine hooked up this way, but it won't run the idle up when it's cold at all

Slammed67 · 11-29-2004, 01:20 PM

Quote:

I ahve mine hooked up this way, but it won't run the idle up when it's cold at all

Make sure it's not hooked up to a constant 12v source, otherwise the choke will always be open and not serving any purpose. Make sure it is only receiving 12v when the ignition is on.

WB72 · 11-29-2004, 11:26 PM

What is involved in the setup of an electric choke?

4x4Poet · 11-30-2004, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimKshortstep4x4

The stock bimetallic spring choke setup works somewhat but the electric chokes work better. The stock chokes don't warm up fast enough in cold weather and stay on longer than they should...

Would you please speak to how well you think a new spring & lever functions on a freshly rebuilt OEM carb, vice a tired, rusty choke spring hooked to a dirty carb that many of these old truck run.

Thanks.

jhow66 · 11-30-2004, 12:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WB72

What is involved in the setup of an electric choke?

Try this setup-works good for me.

jhow66 · 11-30-2004, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4x4Poet

Would you please speak to how well you think a new spring & lever functions on a freshly rebuilt OEM carb, vice a tired, rusty choke spring hooked to a dirty carb that many of these old truck run.

Thanks.

If you mean will it work ok then the answer is yes. If you mean how it works here's how--when engine is cold the coil spring contracts causing the choke butterfly to close by way of the rod between coil and choke lever. When engine is started exhaust gas crosses from one head to the other by the way of a passage (choke coil is setting on this passage) and out the other pipe causing the coil to expand and draw the choke open.

JimKshortstep4x4 · 11-30-2004, 08:08 AM

To add to jhow66's reply, we use the factory setup for the choke on several of our trucks and they do work. It seems that they need a lot of attention and adjustment to get them to work right. They work better if the engine is equipped with the thermactor setup and heat riser. (We don't have either one on any of our trucks).

Engine temperature is important so a 195 degree thermostat is desireable. It makes a difference if the exhaust crossover passage is clean and flows well.

The electric choke works better under a variety of conditions so that would be the one that I would recommend. A manual choke will work but they can have problems also.

Jim

jimfulco · 12-01-2004, 12:11 AM

Just don't forget to disengage the manual choke before you go driving all over the place.

Robert1970C20rstbukt · 12-01-2004, 12:26 AM

I have the same setup, it's called a divorced choke. When the engine's cold, the spring contracts(winds up) and closes the choke. When the engine starts to warm up, it expands(opens up) and the choke opens till the engine is at operating temp. and the choke should be open all the way. That's how mine is and I haven't had any problems with it.

**passthebuck** · 12-01-2004, 03:21 AM

I converted my q-jet to an electric choke & it rocks. I got the parts at the bone yard. I SEEM to remember that the late 70ies/very early 80ies have what u need. I will admit that it is a particularly fussy adjustment, but when its good is done like dinner. & ya, go to a fused ignition power source.

71-longbed · 12-01-2004, 03:49 AM

i have a divorced choke as well .. is it possible to attach a manual choke cable to my fast idle cam and remove the whole spring setup ..

1969K10 · 12-01-2004, 08:48 AM

71-Longbed - I bought a "HELP" kit from one of the chain parts stores (A-zone or Advance - don't remember) and it comes with the choke cable, a bracket to mount the knob inside, and a clamp that attaches to the choke butterfly rod. I had to remove the bi-metallic spring on the side of the carb (Q-jet), and the housing the spring was it. Just a couple of screws...

71-longbed · 12-01-2004, 03:07 PM

do you happen to know how long the choke cable has to be ??? do you have any pics ??? thanks a bunch

11-29-2004, 12:50 AM	#1
WB72 Before and After Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Leduc, Alberta CANADA Posts: 632	Choke decisions I will be building a new small block, and just wondering about the choke. I live in Canada and the truck will be driven only in the summer. The exhisting quadrajet has the choke that has the bimetalic spring built in the intake maifold. I will be purchasing the RPM performer and a carb from Edelbrock. Does the choke mechanism have any effect on how the carb functions normally? Is the electric choke the most common? __________________ Not Grandpa's C-20 anymore... 383 Stroker 425HP, 485Ft/Lbs Lowered 3.5" Front / 5" Rear 66,000 miles. Alberta, CANADA

11-29-2004, 01:10 PM	#4
Peregrine Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Louisville, Ky Posts: 329	That's what I have, a manual choke. It's cheap theft protection. I can keep mine running without it closed (it takes some work. My choke cable wasn't working right for the first 2 weeks of winter so I learned the hard way) but I doubt anyone who has never even heard of a manual choke will get my truck out of my driveway. __________________ Brian 72 C10 longbed 350/th400 Let the world change you and you will change the world.

11-29-2004, 01:13 PM	#5
dubie Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 8,855	I installed an electric choke on mine but I don't think it's working. Is it correct to run a wire from the choke to the UNFUSED spot on your fuse box?? I ahve mine hooked up this way, but it won't run the idle up when it's cold at all __________________ My name's Tim and I'm a truckaholic My 56 Chevy shop truck build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=562795

11-29-2004, 11:26 PM	#7
WB72 Before and After Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Leduc, Alberta CANADA Posts: 632	What is involved in the setup of an electric choke? __________________ Not Grandpa's C-20 anymore... 383 Stroker 425HP, 485Ft/Lbs Lowered 3.5" Front / 5" Rear 66,000 miles. Alberta, CANADA

12-01-2004, 12:26 AM	#13
Robert1970C20rstbukt Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Beeville, Texas Posts: 1,943	I have the same setup, it's called a divorced choke. When the engine's cold, the spring contracts(winds up) and closes the choke. When the engine starts to warm up, it expands(opens up) and the choke opens till the engine is at operating temp. and the choke should be open all the way. That's how mine is and I haven't had any problems with it. __________________ RJD 1984 Chevrolet C30 welding truck 454/SM465 1977 GMC C15 pickup 350/TH350 1970 Chevrolet C20 pickup 350/TH400 1970 Chevrolet K20 Suburban 454/TH350 1969 GMC 8500 478M V6/5 spd winch truck

11-29-2004, 08:54 AM	#2
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	The stock bimetallic spring choke setup works somewhat but the electric chokes work better. The stock chokes don't warm up fast enough in cold weather and stay on longer than they should. I would recommend the electric choke as it will open up faster and is more reliable. Jim

11-29-2004, 09:08 AM	#3
1969K10 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Clarks Hill, Indiana Posts: 733	Give up on both of them, and put in a manual choke

11-30-2004, 08:08 AM	#11
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	To add to jhow66's reply, we use the factory setup for the choke on several of our trucks and they do work. It seems that they need a lot of attention and adjustment to get them to work right. They work better if the engine is equipped with the thermactor setup and heat riser. (We don't have either one on any of our trucks). Engine temperature is important so a 195 degree thermostat is desireable. It makes a difference if the exhaust crossover passage is clean and flows well. The electric choke works better under a variety of conditions so that would be the one that I would recommend. A manual choke will work but they can have problems also. Jim

12-01-2004, 12:11 AM	#12
jimfulco Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Shreveport LA Posts: 3,170	Just don't forget to disengage the manual choke before you go driving all over the place.

12-01-2004, 03:21 AM	#14
passthebuck Sisyphus was my mentor! Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Carleton Place, Ontario CANADA Posts: 984	I converted my q-jet to an electric choke & it rocks. I got the parts at the bone yard. I SEEM to remember that the late 70ies/very early 80ies have what u need. I will admit that it is a particularly fussy adjustment, but when its good is done like dinner. & ya, go to a fused ignition power source. __________________ passthebuck #5642 -TWO 1967 GMC 910's. One with L6/3-on-the tree and the other with 355 w/435hp & a 700r4. -a 2013 Honda Civic as my "sensible" car

12-01-2004, 03:49 AM	#15
71-longbed Its Magically Delicious Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: oregon Posts: 2,398	i have a divorced choke as well .. is it possible to attach a manual choke cable to my fast idle cam and remove the whole spring setup .. __________________ 71 C10 LWB 350sbc -TH350 12 bolt 3.42 Posi Of all my favorite things to do, The utmost is to have a brew. My love grows for my foamy friend, with each thirst-quenching elbow bend. Beer so frosty, smooth, and cold it's paradise pure liquid gold. Yes beer means many things to me that's all for now cus I gotta pee.

12-01-2004, 08:48 AM	#16
1969K10 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Clarks Hill, Indiana Posts: 733	71-Longbed - I bought a "HELP" kit from one of the chain parts stores (A-zone or Advance - don't remember) and it comes with the choke cable, a bracket to mount the knob inside, and a clamp that attaches to the choke butterfly rod. I had to remove the bi-metallic spring on the side of the carb (Q-jet), and the housing the spring was it. Just a couple of screws... __________________ 1969 K10 - V8, 465, 205, 12 bolt, D44 2002-current 1969 K20 - V8, 465, 221, Eaton, D44 2012-current Nothin' but drums on all 4 corners! past horses in the stable 72 C10-short step (97-02), 68 C10-long fleet (06-12)

12-01-2004, 03:07 PM	#17
71-longbed Its Magically Delicious Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: oregon Posts: 2,398	do you happen to know how long the choke cable has to be ??? do you have any pics ??? thanks a bunch __________________ 71 C10 LWB 350sbc -TH350 12 bolt 3.42 Posi Of all my favorite things to do, The utmost is to have a brew. My love grows for my foamy friend, with each thirst-quenching elbow bend. Beer so frosty, smooth, and cold it's paradise pure liquid gold. Yes beer means many things to me that's all for now cus I gotta pee.



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