Wiktor Wise
While most new cars are fitted with an automatic choke, many drivers prefer a manual choke as it gives them more control over the choke butterfly (or valve) in the carburettor. If you want to change your electric choke to a manual choke, you can use a special conversion kit. These kits are designed to work with a particular carburettor and usually involve removing the manual choke plate and installing an electric choke cap. You will also need to connect the wires to the carb and dash, and mount the warning light and choke control knob.
Characteristics and Values Table for Changing an Electric Choke to a Manual Choke
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons for Conversion | More control for the driver, automatic chokes often malfunction |
| Conversion Kit | Available for purchase, e.g., Holley's electric choke conversion kit |
| First Step | Remove the manual choke plate by unscrewing |
| Choke Housing | Secured with new fasteners at the same three attachment points as the manual choke plate |
| Installation | Ensure the metal tab fits into the loop on the wound spring in the choke cap |
| Cable Installation | Connect the purple wire to an ignition-controlled feed, run the red wire to a terminal on the choke switch, and join the black wire to an earth point |
| Warning Light | Mount on the dash, some kits include a warning light |
| Choke Control Knob | Mount on the dash, can be drilled or use provided brackets |
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What You'll Learn
Buy a conversion kit
If you want to convert your electric choke to a manual choke, you can buy a conversion kit. Conversion kits are available for a range of carburettors, but not all types are catered for, so check with your car dealer or accessory shop before purchasing.
The Holley electric choke conversion kit, for example, includes two wires that connect to the carb: a black wire that should be attached to a ground source, and a red wire that should be attached to a source of 12V fused power that cuts on with the ignition. The choke housing is secured to the carburettor at the same three attachment points used for the manual choke plate. The kit includes new fasteners and a gasket, which should be placed on the choke housing before installing the electric choke cap.
Another example is the Holly Truck Avenger carburetor conversion kit, which can be purchased from Summit. However, it is worth noting that this kit has been reported to have unclear instructions.
When installing a conversion kit, you will need to disconnect and insulate the feed wire from the sensor and remove the choke unit by unscrewing the screws that pass through a clamp ring holding it to the carburettor body. You will then need to assemble the spring and nut to the interface mechanism and fit the choke butterfly operating lever between the arm and the operating spring of the interface. Finally, you will need to secure the adapter unit to the carburettor using the kit's securing screws and the old clamp ring from the auto-choke unit.
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Remove the manual choke plate
Removing the manual choke plate is a delicate process. Firstly, you need to identify the choke blade, which is kept centred in the shaft by raised ridges. Slide a thin putty knife into the slot of the choke shaft, then over the raised ridge, allowing you to slide out the choke plate.
If you are nervous about prying the choke plate out, you can try wedging a putty knife or similar into the choke shaft to nudge or bend it, but be careful not to force it. You can also try spreading the shaft in the middle with a screwdriver to help you pull out the choke plate.
If you have a Holley-based carb, there are two screws holding the choke plate in place, and one screw on the side of the shaft. You will need to remove these three screws to remove the choke plate. However, if you do not have a Holley-based carb, you may need to flatten out the larger spade on the underside of the shaft with a hammer, before sliding it out.
Before removing the choke plate, you may want to drill two holes and tap the shaft for screws to preserve the alignment of the plate. This will make it easier to screw the choke plate back into place if needed.
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$22.95
Install the choke cap
To install the choke cap, you will need a gasket and a metal retaining ring.
First, place the gasket on the choke housing. Then, install the choke cap. You should notice a metal tab sticking out from the housing. This tab must fit into the loop on the wound spring in the choke cap. You can check if the tab is in the spring's loop by rotating the choke cap once it is in place. If it is installed correctly, it should open and close the choke plate.
Finally, use the metal retaining ring to hold the choke cap to the choke body. The ring uses spring pressure to hold the cap in place, so make sure it is installed so that it bows outward from the choke cap.
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Secure the adapter unit
To secure the adapter unit, you will need to follow a few steps. Firstly, keep the operating lever in its position between the arm and spring of the interface. Then, fit the adapter unit, ensuring the dished side faces the central boss of the interface. Secure the adapter unit to the carburettor using the securing screws provided in the kit, along with the old clamp ring from the auto-choke unit.
Now, determine the direction in which your choke flap opens, and cut off one of the two cable spool stop lugs from the anchor plate. Secure the anchor plate to the adapter unit with the retaining spring clip. Ensure the clip is positioned under the four lugs on the adapter.
It is important to make sure the choke butterfly is fully off before proceeding. After confirming this, fit the cable spool to the interface bearing at the centre of the assembly. The flange of the spool should be butted against the remaining cable spool stop lug on the anchor plate. Finally, secure this with the central screw.
With these steps, you will have securely mounted the adapter unit, ready for the next steps in converting an automatic choke to a manual one.
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Mount the control knob
Mounting the control knob is an important step in converting an automatic choke to a manual choke. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:
Firstly, you need to find a suitable position on the dashboard to mount the control knob. This can be done by either drilling into the dashboard or using the brackets provided with the conversion kit. It is important to choose a location that is easily accessible and comfortable for you to reach while driving.
Once you have identified the mounting location, mark the spot with a pencil or marker. If you are drilling, make sure you have the correct drill bit size and drill slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the dashboard. If you are using brackets, ensure that you follow the instructions provided with the conversion kit for proper installation.
After creating the mounting hole or attaching the brackets, you can now attach the control knob. This typically involves inserting the control knob through the mounting hole and securing it in place with a retaining nut or washer. Make sure that the control knob is tight and secure, as you will be using it frequently.
Now, you need to connect the control cable to the control knob. This cable runs from the control knob to the carburettor and operates the choke mechanism. Ensure that the cable is properly routed and secured to prevent any interference with other components. The cable should be stiff enough to operate the choke effectively.
Finally, test the control knob to ensure that it is functioning correctly. Operate the knob to ensure that it smoothly opens and closes the choke. Make any necessary adjustments to the cable tension or routing to ensure optimal performance. This step is crucial to ensure that your manual choke works as intended.
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Frequently asked questions
You can usually convert an automatic choke to a manual choke using a special conversion kit. First, you will need to remove the manual choke plate by unscrewing it. Then, you can follow the instructions that come with your chosen conversion kit.
The choke housing is secured to the carburettor at the same three attachment points used for the manual choke plate. The kit should include new fasteners. With the gasket on the choke housing, install the electric choke cap.
Yes, you can use parts from an old bike such as a thumb gear shift controller and an aircraft cable. You can also use a spring to help pull the cable.
