use of the choke

CB919ER

CB919ER

Senior Member
While I'm still learning the A, I've noticed the choke knob will both turn and I can pull on it. what is the correct way to use the choke?
 
Turning the choke knob will make the carb gas mixture richer, turning to the left. To the right leaner.

Start by lightly turning knob to the right until it stops. Do not turn until tight. Now turn knob to the left one full turn. Pull choke out and hold. Hit starter button. As soon as engine starts release choke. Turn knob back to the right to half or quarter open.

Be careful with choke, you do not want to suck raw gas into engine.

When I shut car off I gently turn knob to the right until it stops. This will help with dripping gas at carb.

Enjoy your car.
 
The choke rod is called the GAV [ gas adjusting valve].

Normal warm engine it should be [ if Zenith carb] about 1/4 turn out from lightly seated. Another 1/2 to 1 turn out for a cold weather start.

Spark lever should full up for any start. Pull throttle lever down a few clicks.

Pull rod out and hold then press start button. Release choke rod after about 1 to 2 engine revolutions and engine should start. Too much choke and the engine may flood. It that happens, open/no choke, lower/increase throttle lever and then start engine.

Once engine starts, pull spark lever down 1/2 to 3/4 travel and raise throttle lever.
 
thanks for the tips guys. I'm used to using a choke on old motorcycles but those are pretty simple, thos one had me a little confused.
 
It may be time for you to look at the OWNERS MANUAL ("Instruction Book"). They are still being made today if you need to buy one. $17 from Snyders, but all suppliers carry this basic owner's manual. It is well worth owning if you own the Model A. This is not a mechanics manual, but a "how to operate and maintain your Ford Model A". The Dyke's Manual for the Ford Model A is also a good beginning basic book to help you learn about how to operate and maintain the basics.
 
DougVieyra said:
It may be time for you to look at the OWNERS MANUAL ("Instruction Book"). They are still being made today if you need to buy one. $17 from Snyders, but all suppliers carry this basic owner's manual. It is well worth owning if you own the Model A. This is not a mechanics manual, but a "how to operate and maintain your Ford Model A". The Dyke's Manual for the Ford Model A is also a good beginning basic book to help you learn about how to operate and maintain the basics.
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Yes, indeed. When I bought mine a couple months ago, the guy I bought mine from gave me an owner's manual and three of four of the catalogs of suppliers and names and phone numbers of local club members. Well worth it!

The owner's manual not only explains the GAV, but also has information on all the lube points and lube schedule (500, 1000, 2000 miles, etc) and other things.
 
Good call!

I've ordered the Les Andrews Model A Ford Mechanics handbook. It should be in today or tomorrow. I've heard you guy talk about all the great information contained within it's pages, so it seemed like a worth while investment. I will order the Owners Manual for the '29 as soon as I can.

Thank you again for all the help
 
Sorry to hijack the post but do any of you guys have to use the choke every time you start your car? I do even if it is warm.
 
Smooth_One said:
Sorry to hijack the post but do any of you guys have to use the choke every time you start your car? I do even if it is warm.
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No, only when cold or the first start of the day. Otherwise it may flood. It just doesn't act like chokes of more recent years.
 
all of the 4 As I have only need the choke for the first start in the summer, in the winter depending how long it sits after turning off and how cold it is it may need a bit of choke. Summer or winter I pull the choke out for about a revolution or two, then push it in and it starts. Happy motoring..
 
Magicbox51 said:
No, only when cold or the first start of the day. Otherwise it may flood. It just doesn't act like chokes of more recent years.
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Yes. Mine is kinda old and getting worn out. The engine was done in 1961. If it sets for a half hour or more it needs some choke.
 
Yeah I think I am getting a leak through my head gasket because I am seeing some seeping and still trying to tune the carb. But thank you.
 
Our 29 Sport Coupe has had a valve job but never rebuilt.

Was stored from 1945 until 1979 when we purchased it.

3,700 miles since than. Restored in 1981. Runs and drives great.

We are third owner. If you have a good one, take care of it.
 
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