Engine requires engaged choke to run

[G. Miskovsky]

All,

Have any of you had to run your WC with the choke engaged about a quarter the way? I am running a Carter carb and when I disengage the choke the engine dies. Plugs have to be cleaned every so often due to carbon build-up.

Truck has always required some choke to run smooth.....suggestions?

[Gordon_M]

Afternoon Gus.

Only two things come to mind, it is either in the intricacies of the Carter internals, or there is a vacuum / air leak into the inlet system.

Fire it up at a fast idle, then spray WD40 or similar round the inlet manifold to block joint, inlet manifold to carb joint, and the external joints of the carb sections. Don't forget to check by blocking off the vacuum hose to the wipers too.

If none of that causes the engine note to change it'll be carb internals

Gordon

[Kaegi]

another issue could be tune up specs. have you checked dwell with meter? then checked timing? its more likely the things Gordon said but never hurts to check specs

[G. Miskovsky]

thanks guys...I'll give her a go!

[June J]

Hi Gus,
that you have to have to pull the choke to run indicates a very lean mixture or badly retarded timing. Gordons suggestion is the best to find vacuum leaks, you can also use engine start fluid or a propane torch (unlit of course). Any change in engine note indicates a vacuum leak. Check also the throttle shaft area.

Set your ignition timing to 4-6 degrees BTDC (before top dead center) at idle speed. As Kaegi has suggested, check all tune up factors like plug gaps, points gap (dwell) Remember that the earth (ground) on the coil to the distributor must be from the negative terminal.

Another diagnostic tool is a vacuum gauge, anything below 20" mercury indicates vacuum leaks and you would be well advised to check all valve clearances.

Good luck.

Ian