Manual or Electric Choke?
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Elder User
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Manual or Electric Choke?
I've had both types of carbs but never really been told the difference other thant he fact you have to manually choke the manual carb (which is what I have now). What is better? Any advantages to either one?
Jason
Jason
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Austin, TX
Both chokes do the same thing. The only difference is that an electric choke opens on its own, and a manual choke requires that you must pull yourself it to open. The most common reason people install a manual choke is because they can't get their electric choke to work properly. However, when set up properly, an electric choke is virtually trouble-free.
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Elder User
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Both chokes do the same thing. The only difference is that an electric choke opens on its own, and a manual choke requires that you must pull yourself it to open. The most common reason people install a manual choke is because they can't get their electric choke to work properly. However, when set up properly, an electric choke is virtually trouble-free.
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
There are two kinds of automatic chokes from the factory. The first kind is completely heat operated. There is no electric connection. Electric chokes from the factory are actaully "electric assist" chokes; the electric heating element is used to open up the choke faster than a fully heat-operated version to reduce emissions. This form connects to the stator terminal of the alternator which is a 14 volt AC signal.
The third kind is "fully electric" and these are usually seen in aftermarket carburetors. These run to 12 volt hot-in-run. With these you have to be careful not to leave the key on without the engine running because the choke will open with the engine shut off and you don't want that.
Stock electric-assist chokes ground through the choke spring, and then through the carburetor casting itself. Most aftermarket electric chokes ground through a separate ground wire which is usually just connected to the carburetor itself.
The third kind is "fully electric" and these are usually seen in aftermarket carburetors. These run to 12 volt hot-in-run. With these you have to be careful not to leave the key on without the engine running because the choke will open with the engine shut off and you don't want that.
Stock electric-assist chokes ground through the choke spring, and then through the carburetor casting itself. Most aftermarket electric chokes ground through a separate ground wire which is usually just connected to the carburetor itself.
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Elder User
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There are two kinds of automatic chokes from the factory. The first kind is completely heat operated. There is no electric connection. Electric chokes from the factory are actaully "electric assist" chokes; the electric heating element is used to open up the choke faster than a fully heat-operated version to reduce emissions. This form connects to the stator terminal of the alternator which is a 14 volt AC signal.
The third kind is "fully electric" and these are usually seen in aftermarket carburetors. These run to 12 volt hot-in-run. With these you have to be careful not to leave the key on without the engine running because the choke will open with the engine shut off and you don't want that.
Stock electric-assist chokes ground through the choke spring, and then through the carburetor casting itself. Most aftermarket electric chokes ground through a separate ground wire which is usually just connected to the carburetor itself.
The third kind is "fully electric" and these are usually seen in aftermarket carburetors. These run to 12 volt hot-in-run. With these you have to be careful not to leave the key on without the engine running because the choke will open with the engine shut off and you don't want that.
Stock electric-assist chokes ground through the choke spring, and then through the carburetor casting itself. Most aftermarket electric chokes ground through a separate ground wire which is usually just connected to the carburetor itself.
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
If an electric choke is connected to hot-in-run power and the key is left on with the engine shut off, two things happen. First, the choke is opening while the motor is shut off. If the engine is cooled down and you try to start it, it will backfire or not start at all because you're starting a cold engine with an open choke. Second, you're drawing current through the choke without the alternator charging the battery which can drain the battery.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2008
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From: wyoming
For cold weather the electic choke is nice so you can run back inside the house and let warm up. Set up some holley's and my guys like it just for this reason. Also purchased a quickfuel carb 830 with electric choke and works great. It snowed today. I have a manual on mine and sometimes hard to get in the perfect spot sometimes. Need to install a electric or just buy a new quickfuel 830 annular for my truck really like those carbs for general hot rodding in 4wds. good bang for the buck carb.
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For cold weather the electic choke is nice so you can run back inside the house and let warm up. Set up some holley's and my guys like it just for this reason. Also purchased a quickfuel carb 830 with electric choke and works great. It snowed today. I have a manual on mine and sometimes hard to get in the perfect spot sometimes. Need to install a electric or just buy a new quickfuel 830 annular for my truck really like those carbs for general hot rodding in 4wds. good bang for the buck carb.
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MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
If you don't like operating your choke manually, then I guess it's worth it. All you need is the choke cap itself, and then you'll have to do the wiring. Does your carburetor already have the hot-air stove setup?
If you're curious about performance or anything like that, there is no difference - both do the same thing, the only difference is what makes them do it (electricity versus yourself).
If you're curious about performance or anything like that, there is no difference - both do the same thing, the only difference is what makes them do it (electricity versus yourself).
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If you don't like operating your choke manually, then I guess it's worth it. All you need is the choke cap itself, and then you'll have to do the wiring. Does your carburetor already have the hot-air stove setup?
If you're curious about performance or anything like that, there is no difference - both do the same thing, the only difference is what makes them do it (electricity versus yourself).
If you're curious about performance or anything like that, there is no difference - both do the same thing, the only difference is what makes them do it (electricity versus yourself).
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,937
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From: wyoming
What carb?
I mainly mess with holleys or holley designed any more but what carb do you run?? If it has a air horn on it I think about anything is possible.
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Elder User
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I have an edlebrock 600. I've never use holley, but hear that always starts up a battle between the two. I think it's more of a personal preference and how the carb is tuned. I didn't put this carb on, but I'll take a look what it has once the weather clears. Ohio sucks!
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: London, Ontario Canada
Just contact edlebrock, they have a electric choke kit, its not too hard to install, i got mine with electric choke on it already, its a 600 too, its worth it, if you can dial it in like said above, and make sure its wired right, and your fine, and its nice to just turn the key and it starts, the manual choke can be a pain to try and find the right spot, good luck and i am sure you will be successful.
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