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Problem At Cold Starts

Richin65

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Jan 29, 2012
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Location
Idaho
Haven't had any issues over the past summer, or past winters, but with the weather getting colder, I'm starting to have some odd start ups. 68 Charger 383 4-Barrel. When I start it up, it has a hard time idling on it's own, and I have to keep the rpms up pretty good to keep it running. The engine will eventually idle on it's own, but it begins to wrap up pretty hard. If I hit the throttle to bring the idle speed down, it will drop down and immediately die. I have to feather the throttle for a good 5-10 minutes to keep it running. Eventually it is fine and starts for the rest of the day fine. Just the morning start ups. Suspect something with the choke, but would like to have suggestions and thoughts. Never had the car ever do this in the past 30 years I have had it. The carb and choke was gone through around 4 years ago. Thanks guys!!
 
Suspect something with the choke, but would like to have suggestions and thoughts.
You've answered your own question...the choke.
It's out of adjustment, hanging up, or the like. Might need to pull the carb, and reset each of the choke, and linkage adjustments.
You should watch the choke, to see what it's doing, when you 'set' the choke, and what it does, after the engine starts. Go from there...

Normally, the choke sets, before start, with one push on the gas pedal.
 
I just went through something very similar with my '74 400 with ThermoQuad. Three weeks ago it ran like a top when I changed oil. Tried to start it two weeks ago and it just puked and died when I kicked it off high idle. I knew the adjustments were all set right because I went through all that this past summer so suspected something was fouling the low speed idle circuit. Sure enough! When I took the carb apart, I found ethanol laced gas deposits in the bowl and even some concentrated gobs of gel here and there. I washed out all that I could see and then sprayed carb cleaner through every orifice I could see. Engine starts and ROARS again!!

You might try running some SeaFoam through the carb and also check the choke pull off vacuum solenoid.
 
Sounds like it just needs a good douche-n-lube!
 
Check to choke pull-off for working right also. Does sound like a choke setting problem. When you get it right, you should be able to drive off after only a minute or so(or even less).
 
You need to make sure the heat riser is working. I've also seen the crossover port inside the intake plugged solid with carbon. Try putting your hand on the intake where the crossover port is, it should get hot pretty quick after the motor is running. If it stays cold, it's plugged.
 
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