engine dies during cold starts

[sbx22]

It sound like a choke issue to me, but wanted to run it buy you guys.

I did mess with the timing the other day, hoping to gain some performance. It's at 35 deg BTDC at about 3000 RPM when the timing stopped advancing. Prior to this, it was less than that, I forgot the degrees. Anyway, before I messed with the timing, it started right up beautifully and choke worked great and would idle a little over 1000 RPM during cold starts.

Now, it has slight trouble, and I mean slight as I can hear the starter having to turn a couple rotations more, to get the engine going. Once it catches, the RPM will slowly dip down, unless I give it some gas and it will keep alive. If I just leave it, it will die. I have to keep my foot on the gas pedal to warm the engine up and maybe after 1 min or so, I can let go of the gas pedal and idle would be fine. This only happens during cold starts.

This is a 350 SBC with Holley Street Avenger electric choke 670. I checked and I get 11.XX volts hooked to the choke that is switched. I tried adjusting the choke and have it turned almost all the way counterclockwise with no difference. I have 15 pounds of vacuum.

Could this be timing related? Or does it sound more like my choke is dead?

[bake74]

      Sounds like more like you advanced timing too much.  I would set the timing back to where it was suppose to be.  The idle speed can be adjusted at the carb. if you need to.

[sbx22]

Stupid me, solved the problem. the bi-metal spring inside the choke cap did not latch onto the metal lever. My own fault, forgot the other day that I also adjusted the choke and when I did so, I unscrewed the screws a little too much so it popped off. Now it works like a charm like it should. Thanks Bake.

[bake74]

     Glad that you figured it out and got it working again, but you forgot to mention that you were working on your choke also.

[doug.wiegel]

I had the same exact problem. First off I wouldn't suggest messing with the timing for the sake of saving numerous headaches. But your problem I'm 95% sure is this little guy to the right go your carb mounted to the top of the block called a choke thermostat. It's a little spring with an arm that reaches up to your choke that controls your choke based on the engine temp. It might be hidden inside of a little casing but it's still easy to find.

[doug.wiegel]

whoop guess I didn't read up the post far enough. Glad you found the problem!