Steps to Repair a Broken Choke
The purpose of the choke on your carburetor is to control the amount of fuel entering your engine. When the choke does not work in the manner it is intended, the vehicle will not fire up. If this occurs, you will need to replace the choke and this is a job even the average backyard mechanic can handle.
The carburetor choke on your car is designed to control the amount of fuel which enters your engine. When the choke on your car goes bad, you will need to replace it. If you do not, the car will not start and you will be stranded. This is a repair that most can handle. All you will need to do is follow the steps outlined below.
The first thing that will need to be done is a visual inspection. Here you will be looking to ensure that the linkage between the choke blade and the pull off remain connected. Also, inspect the vacuum hose remains connected. If any of these components are not in place, the car will also not operate properly. If everything is in place, start the vehicle. While doing so, look for movement of the pull off. Be sure to look for a bleed hole in the pull off. In many cars, this hole will need to be covered during the testing process. If it operates properly, the problem is elsewhere. If not, your pull off is defective and will need to be replaced.
Gather the tools you will need to replace the choke. Needle noses pliers, a magnetic screwdriver should all be close at hand as should a service manual which covers the year, make and model of your car. In addition, you will want to have your replacement choke pull off nearby and ready to install. The air cleaner will need to be removed before you can get to the choke pull off. Be sure you mark any and all hose connections so you know where to replace them. Next you will need to take the mounting screws off of the old choke pull off. Disconnect the old pull off where it is attached to the linkage and remove a bracket if there is one. This bracket will need to be transferred to the replacement part if you have not purchased a replacement. Compare the two parts to ensure you have the correct one.
Start the installation process by placing the bracket on the new choke pull off, if necessary. Next you will need to connect the part to the linkage and replace the mounting screws. Be sure to tighten these screws while also checking the adjustment. The adjustment requires that you connect a vacuum pump that can be held in the hand. First apply gentle finger pressure to the choke blade. As the same time, place the vacuum on the choke pull off. A drill bit may be used to measure the correct distance between the choke blade and the housing. The service manual will give you these measurements for your year, make and model. When these measurements are off, you may turn the adjustment screw or slightly bend the linkage. To finish up, replace the air cleaner and connect the hoses as marked earlier. Start your car up and you are ready to go.