Beatrice Lang
Hooking up an electric choke requires careful consideration of the power source and wiring connections to ensure optimal performance and avoid potential issues. The choke should be connected to a 12V source that is only active when the engine is running, such as the S or STA terminal on the alternator, to prevent overheating and battery drain. It is also important to avoid connecting the positive lead to the distributor side of the coil and to use a 10-amp fuse for safety.
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What You'll Learn
Connect to a switched 12V source
When hooking up an electric choke, it is important to connect it to a switched 12V source. This is because the choke needs full 12 volts to operate correctly. If you connect it to the coil, you will not get a full 12 volts, but rather an average of between 6 and 9 volts. This can cause the choke to function improperly, leading to bad gas mileage and potential misfires.
The positive lead of the electric choke should be connected to a circuit that is only hot when the engine is running. This ensures that the choke does not heat up during extended cranking and only receives voltage when the engine is running. One way to achieve this is by using an oil pressure switch in the power wire, which blocks the voltage to the choke when the engine has no oil pressure. Another option is to connect the choke to the "'S' or 'STA' terminal on the alternator, which is the stator connection. This terminal is only hot when the engine is running, so the choke will not heat up until the engine is spinning.
It is important to note that you should not connect the electric choke to an unswitched source, such as the battery, as this will cause the choke to remain pulled off all the time and drain the battery. Additionally, make sure that the negative lead of the electric choke is connected to a good engine ground.
When wiring the electric choke, it is recommended to use a 10-amp fuse on the positive lead. You can also calculate the current draw of the electric choke coil and use a fuse that is 10%+ higher than the calculated current. It is also suggested to test the wiring setup before finalising the connection to ensure that the relay and alternator are functioning correctly.
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Don't hook it to the coil
When hooking up an electric choke, it is important to note that the power source should not be the coil or ignition. This is because connecting the choke to the coil can cause several issues. Firstly, there may be a larger voltage drop across the resistive wiring, resulting in lower voltage, which could cause the choke not to fully open and potentially affect ignition. Secondly, the resistive wire may overheat due to the additional power it has to dissipate. Lastly, the choke may not receive enough voltage to function properly, leading to poor spark, bad gas mileage, and potential misfires.
To avoid these issues, it is recommended to connect the electric choke to the stator output of the alternator, specifically the stator lug. This is because the stator will provide a consistent voltage output that allows the choke to function as designed. It is important to follow the recommended connection to prevent any potential issues with the choke and ignition systems.
There are alternative methods to power the electric choke that do not involve connecting it to the coil. One method is to run the choke wire to the windshield wiper hot wire, ensuring that the choke only receives power when the engine is running. Another method is to use an oil pressure switch, which blocks the voltage to the choke when there is no oil pressure, again ensuring that the choke is only active when the engine is running.
It is worth noting that some electric chokes require a constant velocity of air passing over the heating element to maintain a cooling effect. Therefore, it is important to consider the airflow when deciding how to hook up an electric choke. Overall, while it may be convenient to connect the electric choke to the coil, it is not recommended due to the potential issues it may cause. By following the recommended connections and considering the specific requirements of the choke, you can ensure optimal performance and avoid any unnecessary problems.
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Use an oil pressure switch
To hook up an electric choke using an oil pressure switch, you need to wire the switch into the power line to the choke. This ensures that the choke only heats up when the engine is running and there is oil pressure.
Firstly, you need to identify the wires coming off your alternator. One of these wires should be switched, and you can tap into the 12V wire. You can then run a fused wire from the BATT terminal on the alternator to the switch, and from the switch to the choke.
If you have an oil pressure gauge, you can use a brass tee fitting to connect the switch and the oil pressure sender. If you have an oil light, the middle terminal on the switch will work the light. The other two terminals are a normally open switch that closes with oil pressure, and you can use these to control the choke.
You can test the switch by hand to check that it is normally open. When there is no oil pressure, the switch should be "open", and the OIL light will be on. When there is oil pressure, the switch will close, and the choke will heat up.
It is important to note that if you have a GM vehicle, the circuitry is designed so that the choke does not get 12 volts until the engine is running and there is enough oil pressure to close the oil pressure switch. This prevents the choke from heating up prematurely.
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Connect to the stator output of the alternator
The stator output of the alternator is connected to the choke to ensure that the choke only functions when the engine is running and warming up. This is because the stator only has power when the engine is running. The choke should not be connected to the solenoid or the ignition wire, as this will cause ignition problems.
The stator terminal on the alternator is the common connection for all three of the stator windings. At any point in the operation, two windings are connected in series, and the midpoint will output half the total voltage. The stator connection was initially used to supply current to the field relay in the regulator to turn off the warning light.
The stator output will vary depending on the type of winding. A Wye/Star configuration will produce higher voltage at lower rpm, while a Delta configuration will result in lower voltage in the field.
It is important to note that the alternator does not provide a constant power level, with lower power output at idle. Therefore, it is recommended to connect the electric choke to a source that provides full battery voltage, such as the field terminal of the alternator. This ensures that the choke receives the required 12 volts for optimal performance.
Additionally, some electric chokes have a thermal modulator built-in, requiring only one wire connection. Others may require a relay to provide B+ voltage, activated from the stator terminal, to compensate for low voltage.
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Connect to the S terminal of the alternator
To connect to the S terminal of the alternator, you will need to locate the alternator on your vehicle's engine. The S terminal is usually located on the back of the alternator, often labelled as such. If you are having trouble locating it, refer to your vehicle's manual or consult a mechanic.
Once you have located the S terminal, you will need to connect the electric choke's wire to it. The electric choke should have come with a wiring harness that includes a connector specifically for this purpose. Ensure that the engine is off and the battery is disconnected before beginning any work.
If your vehicle does not have an S terminal, you may need to use an alternative method to connect the electric choke. One common method is to connect the electric choke to the ignition coil or another power source that provides voltage only when the engine is running. This will ensure that the electric choke is only engaged when the engine is on, preventing unnecessary battery drain.
When making the connection to the S terminal, use appropriate tools and safety equipment, including gloves and eye protection. Ensure that all connections are secure and that there are no exposed wires. If you are unsure about the wiring, consult a professional mechanic to ensure that the electric choke is installed correctly and safely.
After connecting the electric choke to the S terminal, proceed with any additional installation steps specific to your electric choke and vehicle. Refer to the electric choke's manual for detailed instructions.
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Frequently asked questions
The correct way to hook up an electric choke is to connect it to a power source that is only active when the engine is running. The choke should not heat up until after cranking and when the engine is running.
The choke needs full 12 volts to operate correctly.
The choke wire should be hooked up to the back of the alternator, to the stator connection. The stator lug on the alternator is the correct connection for an electric choke to work as designed.
Some common mistakes to avoid include connecting the positive lead to the distributor side of the coil and hooking it up to the coil or ignition. This can cause the choke to function improperly and lead to bad gas mileage and potential misfires.
