I've got a frustrating issue with my Holley 4160 carb, and no amount of searching has turned up any of the specific answers I want.
I rebuilt the carburetor and adjusted it as best I could. When warm, it runs great. It idles well, gets decent mileage, etc. My issue is on startup; the vehicle WILL NOT start unless I hit the gas several times, but doing so kicks off the choke, so it won't stay running unless I keep my foot on the gas for a few minutes. I've tried adjusting the choke several times, but with no real luck.
My first question is; Is it normal to have to hit the gas to start the truck? It seems to me I shouldn't have to do this, as it kicks the choke off.
Second; Would adjusting the choke idle have any effect on the initial start-up, or does that only apply when the choke has warmed up but before it comes off?
I'll really appreciate any help on this, as the only answer I'd gotten from a "knowledgeable" friend was that my accelerator pump must be leaking. (It isn't.)
I have a 1986 F250, 351W with an aftermarket Holley 4160, with an electric choke. The choke is wired to a relay, with 12volt power coming directly from the battery and regulated by an ignition source.

 

"kick the gas" *before* you turn it over.
This will give it the shot(s) from the accelerator pump and set the choke.
If it stalls immediately just try the procedure again.
Sometimes I have to try 2 or 3 times with my 4180 if it's really cold, but usually 30 seconds or so and it's good to drive away.

You adjust the clocking of the choke housing cold.
You can also change the fast idle cam.
Do you have 12v at the choke? mine only 'sees' 7 or 8.

Holley has a pretty good trouble shooting guide on their website.

 

Yes this is required. You have to hit the pedal to set the choke.

The choke adjustment only applies during initial start up and the warm up cycle of the engine.

What you need to do is when the engine is cold, take the aircleaner off, and hold the throttle half-way open. Adjust the choke till it shuts. That should get you in the ballpark.

So now hitting the gas pedal does not open the choke, because you have just set the choke with the throttle open. If you hold the throttle wide open, it should crack the choke open a little bit. This is the "clear flooded engine" mode of operation.

 

Thank you both very much!

I went out this afternoon and spent fifteen minutes re-adjusting the choke, and she fired right up!

This carburetor problem was quickly turning into one of those issues where no matter how you look at it, you keep seeing the same problems. A fresh perspective and some actual knowledge really made a difference!

Thanks again!