Does the theory change much? IIRC, I could kill my Ninja's engine by turning on the Enricher circuit to full once it was warmed up.Also, speaking of "Real Chokes", there's something I've always wondered....
I've always assumed that original engine chokes used "choke valves" to limit airflow.
However, the choke symbol isn't a picture of a choke valve; it's a picture of a butterfly valve!
How did the butterfly symbol get associated with the choke? Was the butterfly used at some point between choke valves and enricher circuits?And, finally, how did the choke symbol (butterfly diagram) become associated with other things? For example, the Ducati I used to have, for some odd reason had the engine idle speed adjuster located on the handlebars. Even stranger, the idle adjuster had the choke symbol on it!
Does anyone have any idea why?
Best I can figure out, they just wanted a classic look on the bike...not that anything else on the bike looks classic...but I guess they wanted to fool people into thinking that their nifty Fuel-Injected bike had carbs and a choke?
Come to think of it, I can't even think of any other FI bike that actually has an easily accessable idle speed adjuster. Usually it's something hidden far away because you'd never have to mess with it.
FAQs
When I turn the choke off, the engine dies.? ›
If a motorcycle or ATV only runs with the choke on, it's because the richer “choke on” mixture is actually closer to the engine's normal operating fuel mixture than the leaner “choke off” mixture. So when the choke is turned off, the engine gets too little fuel and too much air for it to run and it stalls.
What happens if you leave the choke on after the engine starts running? ›If you forget to turn off the choke after starting the engine, it will continue to run rich, meaning there will be more fuel and less air. This can result in the engine operating inefficiently, consuming more fuel than necessary, producing excessive exhaust emissions, and even causing the spark plugs to foul.
Why does my carb run better with the choke on? ›The choke increases the amount of fuel in the mixture, creating a richer mixture, allowing the engine to function at its best until it warms up enough to run on its normal operating fuel mixture.
Is it bad to run with a choke on? ›Short-term use of the choke won't damage the engine, but if the fuel-air ratio is too high, it might clog the spark plugs. You should not ride for extended periods with the choke on. The solvents in the rich mixture may cause the cylinder walls to become worn down and cause the engine oil to burn.
Why does my motor only run with the choke on? ›It could be that the main jet in the carburetor is a little clogged, and therefore not enough fuel is getting through, so the choke being on let's more fuel through. The carburetor probably needs a rebuild, or maybe just a little cleaning.
What happens if choke is always on? ›The choke should be closed immediately after the engine starts running. If you leave it open, it can flood your engine with excess fuel, resulting in increased fuel consumption and reduced efficiency. Moreover, it can also damage the spark plugs.
How long should I leave the choke on for? ›Is it OK to ride a motorcycle with a choke on? Yes, but only until the engine is warm enough to run without the choke. This unusually less than a minute. For most motorcycles it's full choke to start, then half choke - just enough to keep it running, then off completely when warm.
Is it bad to run an engine on half choke? ›An engine that requires the choking (partial or full) after initial engine warm up is an indication that the engine fuel air mixture system is out of adjustment. Leaving the choke on while operating will result in excessive fuel consumption, irregular engine power performance and eventually may even damage the engine.
Should I start on choke or run? ›Pulling the choke lever provides proper fuel-starting mixture when the engine is cold. When attempting to start a cold engine, pull the choke lever outward to close. Slowly return the choke to the open position as the engine warms. Leave the choke in the OFF/OPEN position when starting or restarting a warm engine.
Does choke give more air or fuel? ›By restricting the flow of air into the throat of the carburetor, the choke valve reduces the pressure inside the throat, which causes a proportionally greater amount of fuel to be pushed from the main jet into the combustion chamber during cold-running operation.
Do all carbureted engines have a choke? ›
As the engine warms up, it is able to run on a leaner mixture. The choke plate must be opened gradually to allow more air into the engine. Carburetors are available with or without a choke. There are also several types of chokes to choose from.
Is it bad to leave an engine on choke? ›Last but not least, remember that leaving your choke on for extended periods will inevitably lead to higher fuel consumption. Only use it when absolutely necessary and release it as your engine warms up. Inspect the linkage and thermostat for damage or wear; check for vacuum leaks.
What's the worst thing to choke on? ›- Whole grapes. ...
- Hard candies. ...
- Taffy. ...
- Gum. ...
- Nuts & seeds. ...
- Popcorn. ...
- Peanut butter. ...
- Raw vegetables.
Using a Choke on a Motorcycle
There is no harm using the choke to start an engine. When it's cold, it can be a necessity to get things going. Using it unnecessarily will only lead to increase fuel usage but no damage to the vehicle.
An engine that will fire and run with the choke closed but dies when the choke is opened likely has debris at least partially blocking the fuel passages in the carburetor. In this condition the closed choke provides enough extra fuel to enter the engine to overcome the lack of fuel flowing through the other passages.
Do you run an engine with the choke open or closed? ›Pulling the choke lever provides proper fuel-starting mixture when the engine is cold. When attempting to start a cold engine, pull the choke lever outward to close. Slowly return the choke to the open position as the engine warms. Leave the choke in the OFF/OPEN position when starting or restarting a warm engine.