Electric Choke question

[mriplaybass]

I have just installed an electric choke on a MC2100. Haven't tried to start the engine yet, but I did set up the choke. The choke opened nicely when I put power to it, but it just seems to get unnecessarily hot after being on for a while. I called the shop that I purchased it from to make sure it was designed to run on full 12 volts, and he said he was "pretty sure" that was the case. No instructions came with the unit. The wire going to the choke does not get hot. It has been too many years since I used an electric choke, so I don't remember what voltage they are designed to run on. I am sure there are electric choke users out there. What voltage are you running? Do I need to install a resistor?

 

[Posi]

Should be running 12v
When you tested the choke did you turn the throttle plate? If not the coil is staying open causing the heat would be my guess.
The electric choke spring is coiled when cold wedging the fast idle cam off it's stop. As the voltage heats the spring it expends and starts to uncoil, moving the choke plate to the open position and letting the fast idle cam return to it's stop position. When you pump the gas pedal once (or turn the throttle plate) when it's a cold start the linkage releases the spring back to it's natural coiled position and snaps the choke closed bringing the fast idle cam off it's stop again.

So, if the throttle wasn't turned on your test the spring may have stayed open causing the heat build up.

 

[mriplaybass]

Yes, did all those things. I know that the spring has to stay hot in order to keep the choke open. I just dont remember the housing getting too hot to touch. I did the test on the bench, but I will retest now that it is actually on the engine.

 

[Hedgehog]

My 2150 has 2 sources of heat. One is the electric coil as you describe, the second is a tube that runs from the intake manifold to the choke assembly. I've never actually touched the choke mechanism itself, but that tube gets mighty hot and stays that way. So, there is a lot of heat in the system.

 

[mriplaybass]

I think I have it figured out! Kind of looks like I had it clocked in the wrong direction . I had it so that when cold, the choke just closed. Now I have it so that when at full heat, (had it energized for about 45 min.) the choke just comes to full open. Running a constant 165° +/- 3° on the spring housing. I just didn't want the first ride of the season to end with having to recharge the fire extinguisher ............or worse!

 

[Woolyworm]

I hate electric chokes - I've never been able to em to work the way I'd like. I just use a manual choke. On and off as I like. Glad u got tours going though!


Wooly