Background. 85 GMC Small block, all emissions removed, Stock 4 barrel Carb with electric choke.

The choke will open and close at really weird times. Stays wide open when cold and slowly closes when it warms up. I noticed the rivets have been drilled out and screws replaced them. So I took the choke off and "attemped" to re-install the coil part of the choke per the manual. It works better no doubt about it, but it still does not choke completely for those super cold mornings. My question is this,

How much tension should be on the coil?? or should it be free when the engine is warm? Does the coil expand or contract when it's cold out? :confused: I read the manual too much yesterday and now I have gone completely cross eyed. :D:D:D

You should be able to tell whether the coil expands or conracts by looking at the way the linkage is hooked up. In my experience it isn't worth farting around trying to make a worn out electric choke work better. It is just as easy to replace with a new one and not that expensive to do either.

Go manual. Then you know for sure whats going on.

Listen to Paul, the bimetal spring in the choke gets wasted after time, heating up and cooling off. It loses some of its spring after a while. Also check to make sure you are getting a constant 12V to the choke.:skull:

I didn't realize I could replace just the choke portion of this deal. Sweet. Thanks.

Yes it is getting a full 12 volts.

Manual?? I would love to, but the wife drives this truck from time to time as well and I don't want to give her any more levers/knobs/buttons to worry about. :D