Manual vs. Electric choke: which is better?

[The_Handier_Man1]

From: Liv42dayOK  (Original Message)
Sent: 3/1/2004 4:21 PM

I installed a new Edelbrock carb on my 440.  It's set-up for a manual choke.  I can also get an electric choke to install on it.  I'd like some feedback on the pros and cons of each to see which way I want to go with it. - Sob



From: denison
Sent: 3/1/2004 8:23 PM

I know how to use the manual choke, and want something simple that I can depend on - so I prefer the manual chokes. If I were going to have my wife or daughters drive the motorhome without me being there to tell them about it, the electric choke would probably serve them better than trying to remember about pushing the knob on the dash in little by little as the engine warms up. denison



From: Taddpowl1
Sent: 3/4/2004 10:48 AM

My choke on my 440, 1973 is in the floor, drivers side next to the engine cover. I like it better, manual. That way I control what and how much gas is needed, also when it's off I know what the engine is doing by sound. Jim



From: Liv42dayOK
Sent: 3/4/2004 10:41 PM

Thanks for the responses.  I would tend to agree and, the older I get, it seems I like the older technology to work with.  One less electric component to fail. - Sob



From: mightybooboo
Sent: 3/4/2004 11:55 PM

"It's set-up for a manual choke."

I too prefer the manual choke.John Muir in the KEEPING YOUR VW ALIVE book says auto chokes stick,put raw fuel into the cylindars(sp) ruining your motor,and are a plot by the auto makers to ruin your engine. He may have something there.For my old motors I vote the manual.
BooBoo



From: FHP_AB1
Sent: 3/24/2004 9:34 AM

I'd have to agree on the manual choke. Since picking up our "new" 73 Brave in December, I've been spening all my time getting a few (lots) things ready for the season. When I first brought it home, it was sometime really hard to get started and keeping it running till it warmed up. When I had some new front tires put on, I had them adjust the carb and electric choke. It was better but still had times where it wouldn't start...usually flooded it and hard to open the cover and hold open the choke so it would start. Finally decided to pull the electric choke and install a manual one ($9 CDN).

It made starting so much easier and now I don't have to sit there and work the throttle to keep it running. Made a world of difference, especially on a cold morning. And it's not very hard to show someone how to use it. Helps that my wife and I are both old enough to have had vehicles with chokes...



From: Liv42dayOK
Sent: 3/24/2004 12:53 PM

Well, I don't think I need any more argument.  All my motorcycles had manual chokes and I never had any problems.  I'll be sticking with the manual choke.  Thanks guys. - Sob



From: Jhoffa_
Sent: 5/5/2004 11:31 PM

I like the electric choke.. It's real simple, a wire runs the heat and shuts it off at temp.

Manual chokes are a hassle, imo.. But if you go this route, be sure the fast idle cam doesn't hang it up when you go to apply it.