The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Should I convert to an electric choke?

Of course I'm a newbie and don't know much about what I'm doing yet...but, I found the source of choke problems this weekend. My choke thermostat is broken and was not connected to the rod. So now I either replace the mechanical thermostat or upgrade to an electronic model. I've googled for both and do not find many options.

Does anyone have suggestions and/or sources?

What carburetor?

What engine and year?

Standard intake manifold for that engine/year?

All automatic chokes use a bimetal strip to close the choke plate. The difference is in where they get the heat to release the spring. Conventional chokes pull air past the exhaust manifold and heat the spring with the hot air. Electric chokes have a resistance wire coil in the choke cover and use electric current to provide the heat to release the choke plate. If you use the electric model, you'll need some sort of switching device to turn it on and off in case the engine stalls during warm-up. Otherwise, the choke will release fully before the engine gets warm, and it will be hard to restart. Factory electric chokes use an oil pressure switch, or a wire from the alternator stator which is only hot with the engine running. What carburetor do you have? Some carbs do not have an electric option available, such as the older Rochesters and Carters.
Jerry

1969. L6 250 with Rochester M 1BBL. Everything is standard and original.

And to top things off...the @#$% thermostat cover bolt sheared off in the manifold!

"Thermostat cover"??????

Are you referring to the choke stove, the part that supplies the hot air from the exhaust manifold? If so, there are aftermarket replacements available that clamp to the manifold with a couple of hose clamps. If you've got the remote choke assembly that mounts in a well on the exhaust and connects to the carb linkage with a rod, it's impossible to convert to an electric-heated unit anyway. Fix what's there and do it the right way the first time. It's not difficult to drill out a broken-off bolt and re-tap the hole.
Jerry

Yes to the remote choke assembly that mounts in a well on the exhaust and connects to the carb linkage with a rod. I have a buddy who is well versed in drilling out and retappiong. I'm not too concerned about that. What do you know of replacement parts for the broken spring coil?

Any good professional-level parts store such as NAPA should have the part listed. Forget about dealing with the mouth-breather computer jockeys at places like Auto Zone for parts like that. Even some of the online parts places might have it listed if you provide the right information during a search. It might be necessary to fabricate your own operating rod from a piece of heavy wire like a welding rod. It's pretty unlikely a dealer would have a parts list going back that far, and even if you had a part number, it probably wouldn't be available. It's not difficult to make a rod, however.
Jerry

The last pic in this album shows the thingie. What's it properly called? A remote choke? And the coil?

Thanks a lot, Jerry. My retapping buddy is really tight with the owner at a local NAPA. I'll try through him. Thanks again!

"Remote choke" sounds right. The coil can't be purchased as a separate item, to the best of my memory.
Jerry