How does an electric choke work?
09-19-2005, 12:41 PM
#1
Race Director
Thread Starter
How does an electric choke work?
I'm going to put an Edelbrock electric choke on my Q-Jet when I install my L98 aluminum heads. I know it's a simple install, but I'm curious as to how the electric choke functions. What tells it that the engine has warmed up? On my hot air choke, the metal coil expands as it gets hot.
09-19-2005, 12:45 PM
#2
Le Mans Master
Same theory with an electric choke. It uses a 12v. power source to heat a coil inside the choke housing. It is a timed event, but still requres setting up, just like your original choke. 
09-19-2005, 12:45 PM
#3
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The electric choke functions completely independent of engine temperature - it does not "know" when the engine has warmed up. Current is passed through a small heater coil in the choke housing cover (the black round dial) and this heating element heats up the bimetallic coil to open the choke. The choke opens purely as a function of how long current is applied to the heating element.
09-19-2005, 12:50 PM
#5
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..by about 5 seconds... I gotta' start typing faster! 
09-19-2005, 01:02 PM
#6
Race Director
Thread Starter
Thanks for the input, I suspected it might work like that. Sorry I don't have a prize for being first. Maybe next time I'll offer a slightly used mechanical choke.
