extremely cold blooded

[RustyRatRod]

The proper way to adjust a choke is so when the engine is stone cold, the choke plate should be barely closed all the way after the throttle is blipped. That's the procedure for starting a carbureted vehicle cold. Pump the pedal a few times to injest a shot of love juice and set the choke then spin it over and it's supposed to pop off and be on high idle IF it's tuned correctly. Most carburetor cars require a bit more finesse than that, but that's how it's supposed to work. In colder climates, you might want to adjust the choke a hair tighter than described, warmer climates a little looser. Sounds like yours might be about right. I can't really see it too good from here.

 

[Cranky]

On a stone cold engine, I like my choke to fully close when I pump the throttle before turning the key. If it's set up right, the engine should start with one pump and foot off the pedal. When it starts, it should be on high idle and the dash pot (choke pulloff) should open the choke a bit. If it's set to open too far, the engine will probably fire then die. You are right about the unit that goes into the intake and is hooked to the choke. It opens the choke fully when it warms up but it will be slow going if the intake heat crossover is clogged up. It will also be slower going if the exhaust manifold heat riser valve is gone or not working properly. I'm betting the choke dash pot (small vacuum canister that's attached to the choke) is not working or not adjusted right. As for it smelling rich, when is the last time it was tuned up?

 

[adk-roadrunner]

Ya she prolly could use a tune up but I'm pulling the engine out soon for the winter and its gonna be getting a rebuild and stroked to a 390 so new carb and intake will be part of it. Just trying to enjoy what's left of this year.

 

[adk-roadrunner]

If the pics come through the one is the nasty crap that was built up inside my thermostat housing the other is where my temp gauge rides now with the new thermostat. It seems to be running a lot warmer now though still very rich. I checked and the choke was fully opened once engine was warmed up I never checked before the thermostat change.

 

[adk-roadrunner]

It used to always ride in the cold range unless I was on the highway or going around 55 for a while. I drove around for about 30 minutes and that's basically where the needle sat the whole time.