Rain + Cold = choke closing

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Dec 5, 2005 | 12:45 PM

rabidwolfan

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Rain + Cold = choke closing

This only happens when it is both raining and cold < 35 degrees.

Truck will start and run fine for about 10 miles. Choke closes, black smoke, serious power loss. Choke will re-open after 2-5 miles. Truck runs good and process repeats. I have stopped several times now on the interstate to confirm problem. Occasionally truck will stall, but not every time. I have tried opening the choke up some more & closing it off some. I have looked for loose wires to the electric choke. I have looked for vacuum leaks. I'm about out of ideas.

83 2wd truck: new 302, new 2bbl carb (electric choke), AOD, everything is clean and goop free

Why is the bloody thing closing? What am I missing?

Thanks all,

New user, longtime reader

Dec 5, 2005 | 12:57 PM

srercrcr

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That is really strange.
Anotherwords, I don't have a solution.
Something is signaling that choke plate to close.
Question: How does an electric choke know it's cold? A sensor?

If no one has any ideas, you could buy another choke unit, or replace it with a stock heated spring type.

Dec 5, 2005 | 05:11 PM

subford

Fleet Owner

Joined: Aug 2005

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From: Easton,Ks

Check the choke pulloff diaphragm with vacuum.

If OK look down the throat of the carburetor when this happens, sounds like you may be getting a load of ice. If so check your heat riser system. On my 1983 I run full carburetor heat all winter as it gets ice very easy.

Dec 5, 2005 | 06:04 PM

IB Tim

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From: 3rd Rock

Quote:

Originally Posted by rabidwolfan

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...Welcome to Ford Truck Enthusiasts!
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…..See you on the boards.

Dec 6, 2005 | 10:50 AM

Franklin2

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From: Virginia

Quote:

If OK look down the throat of the carburetor when this happens, sounds like you may be getting a load of ice. If so check your heat riser system. On my 1983 I run full carburetor heat all winter as it gets ice very easy.

I guarentee you that's what it is. The carb is icing up. Go find an original aircleaner with the temp control switch mounted in the side, with the vacuum lines going to the air door in the snorkel, and another vacuum line going to the manifold vacuum on the carb or the manifold.

Also get the metal hose that goes from the snorkel to the exhaust manifold, and the metal shroud that goes around the exhaust manifold. If you have headers, you can buy or do what I did and make a little metal box to go around one of the header tubes.

Get all this hooked up, and your problem will go away. You will be introducing warm into the carb like the factory designed it, and it will eliminate the frost build-up in the carb.

Dec 7, 2005 | 02:59 PM

NavyMIDN08

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My truck had the same problem years ago, when my dad was still driving it... We solved the problem by switching to a manual choke, it works great, especially in the bitter cold (sub zero). My dad pulled it off of a junked car that had put it on aftermarket, I don't think they cost much from any supply store.