Choke cable issues

[Tudge]

Hi there everyone, another question! The choke on my moggy refuses to hold itself out, so when I start her up from cold I have to hold the choke out myself until she warms up. Is this by design, or is there a problem with my cable?

Thanks guys,
Tudge

[bmcecosse]

It should stay out if you twist it slightly. Common 'fix' is to put a wood clothes peg around the cable when you pull it open...... Just remember to take it off again once you get going.

[mike.perry]

Earlier choke controls had a ratchet, for later controls unclamp the carb end of the inner cable, twist the inner cable and re clamp it.
Alternatively as has been said, use a wooden clothes peg which should be clipped to the rear view mirror stem when not in use.
Plastic clothes pegs will lose judging points

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

In all the cars I have owned I have not once yet had to resort to the dreaded clothes peg.

[Tudge]

AHHHH! So you twist it! How clever, many thanks. Also, how long should I choke her for? I have been choking just start her, but she falters and stalls if I lift completely off the accelerator until she's warm. Should I be leaving her on the choke until she's warm?

Cheers, everyone seems to be so helpful on here!

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

As a very general rule, the choke should be on for the first 1/4 mile, even longer in winter, or until smooth running is obtained.

At least your engine seems to be optimised for best fuel economy.

[Biggles1957]

If it's really cold then I only need full choke to start then can almost immediately push it half way in to drive away. Once the temperature gauge shows about 50C then I can push it all the way in - but if stop starting then I might need to keep a bit of choke on till it gets up to 65-70. In this weather I only need about half an inch on the choke knob to start and can push it in very soon after driving off. If you keep too much choke on then the engine will baulk and chug horribly!

[Tudge]

Ok thanks, I think I'll need to put a clothes peg in the car then, tried to hold the choke out by twisting, but it didn't work.
It will stay half out on it's own though, with no twist... If I wanted to fix this, would a new choke cable & knob work?
Cheers

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

The twisting which Mike is referring to is slackening the cable at the carb end, and then taking a pair of pliers to twist the cable, just as you would with bare electrical wiring to stop it splaying.

[Tudge]

My apologies, I clearly didn't read his post properly - I'm an idiot haha

[bmcecosse]

Indeed - you have to twist the inner cable. The amount of 'choke' (it's not really a choke ....) depends on the air temp. I pull mine out to start - immediately half way in, and almost immediately all the way in.. Your aim is to minimise use...

[mike.perry]

Set the fast idle screw just touching the choke cam