Choke problem & Need specs for Holley 4-bbl LIST-6231

[The_Handier_Man1]

From: SeaRaySRV16O  (Original Message)
Sent: 2/10/2005 4:57 PM

Hi everyone,

Wondered if anyone has come across adjustment specs for the Holley LIST-6231 4-bbl? Been to Holley's website & tried a few message searches here with no luck. Problem I'm havin' is it appears the auto(electric?) choke is not functioning. Unless I hold the accelerator on very fast idle for 3-5 minutes, it will kill. Once warm, no problem. Choke butterfly closes when I first depress accelerator pedal, but soon as engine starts, it opens wide. Fast Idle adjustment has to be turned in bout 4 full turns to keep it goin on it's own, then it's way too many rpm's to drop it into gear and idle at a stop with. Thinkin' bout searchin' the web for Holley carb books, but thought maybe someone here has gone thru the carb adjustments on this model Holley. Any suggestions? Sure appreciate any tips. ( I know, best solution is a manual choke).



From: chip
Sent: 2/10/2005 11:25 PM

it's been many years since i played with electric chokes on holley's but here's a couple of suggestions;
1. can't you just turn the choke cover to wrap the spring tighter? as i recall, one or two detents from the center postion made a large difference with those carbs.
2. i remember using a voltage source less than battery[12v] on occasions. this would slow down the bi-metal spring. the low side of the ballast resistor might be an option.



From: SeaRaySRV16O
Sent: 2/24/2005 3:12 AM

Thanks Chip,

Been playin' with that plastic choke cover today, tryn' to dial in the right setting. Thinkin' I got it pretty close now. Will wait till tomorrow when everything is cold. Only problem I can see is that if I put too much wrap on the spring, when it opens, the choke butterfly won't be perfectly vertical and may affect the fuel useage. I have never had to fool with these electric chokes before. My old '53 Chev single bbl. carb is heated by engine heat & a little tube. Thanks for the tip about dropping the voltage. If I need to go that route, I think I will go and buy a resistor just for that line.

I wonder, does the power to the choke ever shut off after the choke opens?

Well anyway, thanks for the info, I do appreciate it.

Regards,

Robert Donley
Jenison, MI



From: chip
Sent: 2/24/2005 7:47 AM

hello Robert,
the choke should open completely when engine is at normal operating temp. as i recall, there should also be a vacuum pull-off to assist the bi-metal spring in the choke cover. ambient temperature does play a small part in choke unloading so, you may find you have to adjust the choke tighter in the summer and looser in the winter.[sounds odd, huh]
the "power" shouldn't shut off to the choke when the key is "on". this would cause the spring to cool and wrap up again. 



From: denison
Sent: 2/24/2005 8:40 AM

The problem with the choke setting could be related to aging of the coiled bimetallic spring inside. As it warms up it uncoils, and lets the choke butterfly open wider. But with old age, I think they dont swing as far with the same temperature change. Usually you can find a compromise setting - - - or change to a manual choke. Once or twice at antique car shows I have stumbled on new bimetallic springs being sold separately. I think it was at the fall meet held in Hersey Pa, or else in Carlyle Pa. 



From: oldRoadRanger_al
Sent: 2/24/2005 4:55 PM

This applies to all carbs with a choke. When I went with a remanufactured Edlebrock with electric choke I had nothing but trouble with that choke. Fuel mileage was greatly affected by it being just a little closed. Tried adjustments but the linkage would hang up too. Should have bought new instead of reman. Switched to a manual cable set up. What I love about a manual choke is that you can engage the fast idle cam at any time by momentarily pulling the knob then pushing back in to shut the choke but keeping the fast idle. You have to push the gas pedal slightly so the cam can engage. To take it off the fast idle blip the pedal. This fast idle feature with no choke applied comes in handy when camping with no hookups to charge the batteries while at the dump station etc. At standard idle the alternator hardly puts out amps compared to a fast idle. 



From: Liv42dayOK
Sent: 2/24/2005 7:27 PM

Good tip, oRR_al!  - Sob