Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you put an electric choke on a carburetor?
Yes, it is possible to put an electric choke on a carburetor. There are electric choke conversion kits available that are designed to replace the manual choke on carburetors, such as the Holley carburetor. It is important to note that the installation should be done off the vehicle.
2. What power is needed for electric choke?
To power the electric choke, you need to attach the electrical lead to the positive terminal on the choke cap. The other end should be connected to an ignition-activated 12-volt source. It is important to note that the distributor side of the ignition coil is not a 12-volt source, but rather a 7-9-volt source after cranking.
3. Are electric chokes good?
Yes, electric chokes are popular, work well, and are easy to install and maintain. They are often used as replacements for OEM-style carburetors. However, divorced and hot air chokes can also be used if the engine is already set up to operate one of these chokes.
4. Can you convert an electric choke to manual?
If your car has an automatic choke that is causing trouble, it is usually possible to convert it to a manual choke using a special conversion kit.
5. Where do you connect an electric choke?
The electric choke should be connected to the Stator or S terminal. It should only be functional when the engine is running and warming up, not any time the ignition is energized.
6. Does a choke let more air in?
No, a choke is designed to close off or 'choke' the air supply to provide the proper fuel-to-air mixture when starting an engine. As the engine warms up, the choke needs to open to allow more air in.
7. How many amps does electric choke draw?
The current draw of an electric choke can vary, but a typical ignition coil has a current draw of around 4 Amps, while an Edelbrock electric choke has a current draw of around 1.2 Amps. The power consumption of the choke is relatively low.
8. Does an electric choke need constant power?
No, an electric choke does not need constant power. It requires a switched power source. Many people run power for the choke from the S terminal on the back of the alternator.
9. Should electric choke be open or closed?
When starting a cold engine, the choke should be closed to provide the proper fuel-to-air mixture. As the engine warms up, the choke should be slowly returned to the open position. When starting or restarting a warm engine, the choke should be in the off/open position.
10. Can you run a motor with the choke on?
No, running a motor with the choke on is not recommended. It can result in excessive fuel consumption, irregular engine power performance, and potential damage to the engine.
