4 replies to this topic

[babybarbarella]

I know this is a completely idiotic question and suspect the answer is going to be.... "duh, your car won't run" but how can I tell if I have over-done it on the choke? Have never used a choke before (hell... just passed my test - finally at the age of 29 - in Jan). I know when I NEED to use it (obvious by his complaining chugs) but not entirely sure when I should stop (as I have only a 10 minute commute with a lot of stop starts it seems to need a bit of choke all the time). Asking as I only got him a few weeks ago and this morning autumn was obviously setting in and it took a lot more choke (or his morning espresso as I like to think of it) to keep going. So... how do I know if I've overdone it? And what do I do if I have used to much choke? (apart from call the AA)

Cheers

Edited by babybarbarella, 17 September 2007 - 09:23 PM.

[jplonie]

I know this is a completely idiotic question and suspect the answer is going to be.... "duh, your car won't run" but how can I tell if I have over-done it on the choke? Have never used a choke before (hell... just passed my test - finally at the age of 29 - in Jan). I know when I NEED to use it (obvious by his complaining chugs) but not entirely sure when I should stop (as I have only a 10 minute commute with a lot of stop starts it seems to need a bit of choke all the time). Asking as I only got him a few weeks ago and this morning autumn was obviously setting in and it took a lot more choke (or his morning espresso as I like to think of it) to keep going. So... how do I know if I've overdone it? And what do I do if I have used to much choke? (apart from call the AA)

Cheers

I'm no expert at all, so please somebody correct me if I'm wrong.
But speaking from experience on a cold morning I need all the 'espresso I can get!

I tend to blip the throttle from time to time when stuck in traffic shortly after starting, and if it revs fine with no chugging then I push it in. I'v usually got no choke at all within 3-4 mins (or by the time I hit Leeds Utd! Come on!), just keep pushin it in a bit at a time.
If you are over chocking then the engine will chugg like when you have not enough choke, so you need to get the balance.
If you do flood the engine by over choking then leave the it turned off for a while to let the fuel evaporate.

J

[dklawson]

I think every engine is different due to their unique states of tune. As you become familiar with the car you'll learn what works for your engine. In general, I find the following works IF you have a tachometer. If not, you'll gradually learn to do this by ear.

If the engine has NOT been run yet that day, assume the engine is cold enough to use the choke. Pull it out most or all the way. Turn the key to start the engine and as soon as it catches, rev the engine slightly to clear any raw fuel in the system and immediately adjust the choke to deliver somewhere between 1500 and 2000 RPM. Your engine will let you know if it needs closer to 1500 or 2000.

Start driving, do not sit and let the car idle on the choke. As soon as you have gone as little as 1/4 mile, start easing the choke in, perhaps 1/2 of what you used as the initial setting to get 1500-2000 RPM. If you're moving quickly without stop lights along your route, ease the choke the rest of the way in by about 1/2 mile. If there are stop lights ahead of you, leave the choke out where it was after 1/4 mile and at the stop light note where the idle RPM are. Ease the choke in while at the light, leaving the choke at the lowest setting that gives you a smooth idle. Regardless of stop lights, within about a mile or so you shouldn't need the choke anymore.

Be patient with yourself. You'll learn what works best for your car very quickly. In general it's good practice to get the car off the choke as soon as possible.

[babybarbarella]

Many thanks - that's pretty much what I have been doing. Nice to know I'm on the right track! (Just realised I mistitled this post... manual clutch instead of choke! Silly girl).

[annodomini2]

If you haven't got a rev counter generally as a rule, unless its a very cold day, start with choke full out, when you get about 100yds down the road move it to about 1/2, when then engine heats up move it fully in.

While it may not be the best way it generally works as a rule and is easier to remember.