choke adjustment

Edwardjohnsr
Edwardjohnsr Expert Adviser
edited November -1 in HUDSON
Now that the weather is turning colder I am paying more attention to the chokes on my twin-H Hornet. I have learned that the index mark on the choke cover is worn off so I have to set it by trial and error. The setting is "iffy" at best. Does anyone know how to deal with this? Is it possible to mark a new index point? If so, how can the right spot be located on the cover?

Thanks as usual.

Ed

Comments

  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Try adjusting your choke covers so that the choke plates are springy to the touch, but not wound tightly. Assuming that high idle speed is set correctly, start the car and let it warm up. If the warm-up period seems too long, ease the tension on the choke plates by turning your choke spring covers. A little trial and error won't hurt a thing. You can watch eBay for choke covers or contact a good carb shop for replacements. BTW, the index on the covers is meaningless if your choke springs are old and have lost some tension.
  • Edwardjohnsr
    Edwardjohnsr Expert Adviser
    Thanks Dave. Your comment about spring tension gives me hope that I may be OK with the trial and error approach.

    Ed
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Ed,



    You're welcome. Even when the cars were new, chances are that the choke spring tension was mismatched anyway, so markings on the covers were moot. That's why most old time mechanics would just set the chokes by feel. Choke settings are relatively unimportant if you start the car and let it warm up by resisting the urge to hit the gas pedal for a few minutes. The only time choke settings would be crucial is if you're in the habit of routinely starting the car in cold weather and immediately driving off. If that's the case, you'll have more to worry about than the chokes.
  • Park_W
    Park_W Senior Contributor
    If you have the chokes set too rich, you'll feel differently about the settings being "relatively unimportant." The engine will "load up" and quit. Dave's recommendation is good ... the only thing I'd add is to start experimenting at an "underchoked" setting and work from there.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Park,



    For the reasons I've stated, I believe the settings on the choke covers are relatively unimportant for use (as a guide) in setting chokes on a 50+ year old car. Of course, this assumes we're talking about the car having its worn, original choke parts. Your suggestion to not set the chokes too rich is right on. :D
  • Park_W
    Park_W Senior Contributor
    Oh ... I guess we had a terminology disjoint. Your post had said "choke settings are relatively unimportant," and I took that too literally. But what you meant was the setting as indicated by the "notch marks," and I certainly agree with that.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Park,



    Sorry, I should have been more specific. Now we're in sync! I hope Ed's chokes are too. :D
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