[dcdoug]

I have a manual choke on my FE (750 Holley with S&H air cleaner). I find that when it is 30 degrees or less out, using the choke helps the engine fire initially, but after the engine starts it idles better when I push the choke back in right away. I probably feather the throttle for the first 20 seconds or so and then just let it idle to warm up, but it doesn't idle as well in either case with the choke engaged at all.

Why is this? Is it because the choke helps on start-up due to the dense cold air, but then due to the horn/air cleaner air flow/clearance issues that it just can't get enough air to idle properly with the choke engaged, even partially, especially if I am still feathering the throttle?

I wonder if there is something I can do to take more advantage of the choke in really cold weather. Otherwise I may just remove it altogether (and then evaluate whether to mill off the horn when I am next at the dyno).

Thoughts?