Hello I was told the electric choke uses less than 12 volts but can't find any info stating what voltage is required for the electric choke. Seems to me with a car running on a 12 volt system it be for 12 volts. Please let me know what voltage Is required? Thanks Jim
It should be hooked to the alternator S terminal. Reason, there is no voltage at that point until the engine starts. This prevents the electric choke from starting to open too early before the engine even starts.
It should be hooked to the alternator S terminal... I know this has been addressed before on here. I find it hard to believe that the two seconds it takes an engine to start after the key is turned would have any noticeable effect on electric choke operation. The choke would open fully two seconds sooner. But I'm always willing to learn. If you could explain the advantage of connecting to the S terminal, maybe I'm missing something.
I gave the reason above; it's standard procedure on Ford cars. Chilton Maverick book page 44 alternator drawing show the electric choke hooked to the S terminal. Also found in the book on mid size cars. The original type electric choke caps have and additional thermstatic operation that prevent it's operation above about 55*. The present day choke caps are quite fast acting. If the engine fails to start, you lost the choke action too quickly in cold weather and then need to play with the throttle for several minutes or so before the engine will idle, negating the reason to have a choke function. Have had both the old system and the newer holly electric choke carbs.
Yeah, if you are starting the car right away. it's no big deal, but if you are working on it or listing to the radio or whatever, you may have the key on before starting. I find that while doing electrical work under the hood, you have the key on and the choke opens, and the car is hard to start. In short, any switched 12v source will work, but the S terminal will work best.
