Manual Choke vs Auto Choke
 

Pretty new on the whole carb engine scene. My 65 F-100 has a manual choke 600 CFM Carb and sometimes has some trouble starting until it's warmed up. I pretty much expected this to happen. Just wondering if the auto choke would help that issue out or if there is something else I can do to make her start right off the bat. I've also heard about electric chokes, but like I said i'm new to the carb scene so i'm not sure which is the best way to go. Any advice would be appreciated.

I personnelly like manual chokes on daily drivers'; but electric's are nice as well. I assume you mean electric & auto to be the same. The only draw back on electric chokes that I've had was getting them set just right on my truck; but onces dial in its a great assess.

Mitch

First and foremost, if I have not already done so Welcome to FTE!!

Have a 65 w/ 390 with manual choke and found all the stars had to be in alignment before it would start without some difficult, particularly on cold winter mornings with moisture and condensation accumulating on the electrical components. Found if I went thru basic tune up before winter set in then starting the beast went a little easier. Made sure points, plugs in good condition and properly gapped, as well as, timing.

On my 352 with Autolite 2100 factory setup....its a breeze...pull choke, press pedal once and hold partly down and hit the key...fires everytime when called upon...even after sitting for years as it has had a few extended 'rest' periods.


I like auto chokes...except when they wont kick down as has been the case more times then not on other cars Ive had...Manual is just that...YOU control the choke...besides, Fords are historically cold blooded beasts...but when they get up to temp...no problemo whatsoever...keep it manual...then control is at your hand...nothing to go wrong either...



- cs65

Yeah she starts rough but runs real smooth after warming up. I'm probably gonna stick with manual I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing out on anything. Thanks for the post.

ive always liked that choke cord... makes me feel like im doing something to start my truck... and besides... if i want her to be just a little bit warmer while im getting ready... i leave the choke open and it runs her a bit higher before i leave or mess with it...

and like camperspecial65 said... electric chokes dont always work like they are sapost to... with the manual, you have a cable and a knob... not alot to go wrong... as where with the electric... youve got relays and sensors and electrical crap... theres a bit that can go wrong...

and not just fords are known for being cold blooded... our chevy was cold blooded... along with the dodge motor home... and the barracuda...i think its just either older motors... or bigger motors... i mean... 400SBC.... 418? CI dodge{dont know if its BB or SB...} 318 sb... 292 Y... all made before the 70s.... all cold blooded... and all v-8s... all different makes....

I like my manual choke for the reasons stated. Hate those auto chokes that won't kick down when they are supposed to. I have Pertronix ignition on mine which may help starting also.

I'd have to second ddavidv's comment on the Pertonix. Nice way to start off a morning, every morning, rain or shine, sleet or snow.

BTW, ddavidv, I live in Elizabethtown. KY.