Engine starting

[exedman]

Hi all....

I've gotten into the habit of cranking my Ford 4000 for a couple of seconds before pulling the choke to make it start.

My theory is that this starts the lubrication process before the engine actually starts....saving a bit of wear and tear.

Does this make any sense?

Take care,

John

 

[ericm979]

The engine is turning over even though it's not started yet. I think the wear using this method will be about the same as starting normally.

 

[RaydaKub]

The engine is turning over even though it's not started yet. I think the wear using this method will be about the same as starting normally.

Maybe more than normal because you don't have the RPM's on the pump to get any pressure.

I think it is the same argument for those that start with the throttle at idle so you don't have so many revolutions before oil is pumped vs. those that start at full throttle because that will get the oil through faster. I'm not convinced either way, but I guess I don't want to start at full throttle.

 

[newbury]

I'm sure I'll be corrected BUT -
I always thought the choke was to change the fuel to air mixture.

As a auto tech in a prior life, I like to think about it like this.................... There is no guarantee that a carbureted (note that fuel injection vehicles operate similarly, but automatically without operator intervention) vehicle will start every time. This can be dangerous on a very cold day. Ironically, this temp also makes it harder to ignite fuel. The fuel is now much further from it's ignition point temp. The fuel will not vaporize and fill the chamber as fast as in a hot engine. Remember, its the vapors that burn, not the liquid itself. So, in order to maximize the chances of getting your vehicle started, it is best to put a little extra fuel in the chamber. By closing the choke, a higher vacuum is created. This causes extra fuel to squirt in. Hopefully, some of it gets close enough to the spark plug when it fires!!

Reference Why engine choke works | Physics Forums - The Fusion of Science and Community

On a diesel forget the plug, but just get more vapor sprayed in.

Cranking with the choke closed will probably just help to wash the cylinder walls.

 

[exedman]

Hi Newbury...

I'm sure you are correct about the choke....

It just so happens that if my Ford 4000 has not been running in the last ten minutes or so then I need to pull the choke to start it unless it is really warm out. The moment I pull the choke, it fires up....half a second.

Soooo.....I just crank it for a second or two and pull the choke to have it fire up. This applies if it has been sitting 10 minutes or ten days....and even at ten below.

Take care,

John

 

[jaxs]

Hi Newbury...


It just so happens that if my Ford 4000 has not been running in the last ten minutes or so then I need to pull the choke to start it unless it is really warm out. The moment I pull the choke, it fires up....half a second. This applies if it has been sitting 10 minutes or ten days....and even at ten below.
John

Does it use propane? I ask because that is exactly how a propane engine is supposed to be started and can refuse to start alltogeather unless choked. As far as avoiding wear and tear,I don't think what you are discribing matters one way or another.

 

[Looking4new]

Gas jobs that haven't been started in a while, I choke with half throttle and pull them over a couple of turns, then turn on the ignition. They usually start right up.